You've probably heard the term 'drunk as a skunk', but I bet you never heard of drunk as a seagull.

The RSPCA has urged for alcohol waste products to be properly disposed of, after a number of incidents of drunken seagulls in Bridport, Lyme Regis and across Devon.

The call comes after staff received a string of call-outs to collect 'drunk' seagulls, with the birds gaining access to alcohol which has been making them ill.

RSPCA officers Jo Daniel, Clara Scully and Paul Adams have collected a number of birds exhibiting the same symptoms in recent weeks.

Inspector Jo Daniel said: "We have had a number of these come through over the last couple of weeks.

"We think they're gaining access to some brewing waste products somewhere.

"At first, the birds look like they have botulism (an illness caused by bacteria) but then, after vomiting, most seem to recover.

"The birds absolutely stink of alcohol when we collect them, so now our vans smell like pubs."

The calls were first received a few weeks ago on June, 21, and are still coming through to the charity, the most recent of which was made regarding a bird in Lyme Regis on Sunday, July 1.

RSPCA vet David Couper has treated a number of the birds as they arrived at the charity's West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton, Somerset.

David said: "We've had birds coming in from across Devon (including Dawlish, Seaton, Colyton, Exmouth, Exeter, Sidmouth, Starcross and Budleigh Salterton), and even a few from Bridport and Lyme Regis in Dorset.

"Sadly, a few of the birds have died but most of them have made good recoveries and have been released after a few days in our care.

"I'd like to urge any local vets who see birds coming in with similar symptoms not to euthanise them, but to give them a chance to recover from the effects of the alcohol.

"The birds appear disoriented and confused, and struggle to stand.

"We took some video of one of the birds who is staggering around and losing its balance just like a person would if they'd had too much to drink."

The RSPCA believe the gulls are gaining access to brewery waste, which can be hard to track where it has come from due to it being used as compost and feed.

Animal collection officer Clara Scully, said: "These birds were clearly wearing their beer gog-gulls when they scavenged their meal for the day and they've really been suffering with hangovers after a gulls night out."

Anyone with concerns for the welfare of a bird or animal can contact the RSPCA's 24-hour helpline on 03001 234999 for advice or to request assistance.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing and treating animals in need, you can donate by visiting rspca.org.uk/give