A song has been written to farewell Harleston's famous swifts as they depart on their long flight to Africa.

Eastern Daily Press: A swift ready to fly from Harleston. Picture: SUBMITTEDA swift ready to fly from Harleston. Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Members of the group Swift Action Harleston of the town have teamed up with Yorkshire singer/songwriter Maggie Groom to produce the song, which is the latest stage of a project to raise awareness of the migratory birds and try to halt their dwindling numbers.

The song, called Swifts – Harleston's Farewell, is illustrated in a video featuring 400 cut-out swifts made by Harleston Primary School pupils. The pupils' designs also feature in a 33-flag display in Harleston, and a large mobile in the St John's Church.

Ms Groom said: 'Swifts are capturing the imagination of communities throughout Britain. It makes sense that we link up where we can and it's an honour to know that my contribution helps both people and wildlife in this imaginative community project.'

Norman Hart, chairman of Harleston's Future, the organisation behind Swift Action Harleston, said: 'This is social inclusion for the environment and the well-being of the town at its very best.'

https://soundcloud.com/ed-norfolk/swifts-harlestons-farewell