Feed the birds . . . feathered friends a comfort to patient

They've been regular guests for the past four weeks, and Mr Khan describes them as "lovely, intelligent company".

As something of a bird lover, the garden of his old house contained a number of bird feeders and houses, one of which became home to a returning blue tit family who would nest each year.

However, when he visited partner Rosemary Loynton's new home in Dawley Road, Arleston, Telford, he noticed a distinct lack of birds appearing in the garden. So he began putting out bird feeders filled with seed. And it wasn't long before his generosity paid off.

Pigeons started dropping by almost immediately, and Mr Khan, 60, was thrilled. But when he noticed that the big birds could not get to the feed, he began putting out bread instead. And as the weeks went by the wild birds became so used to him they now happily perch in his hand to eat.

Now every night, and even some mornings, pigeons ranging from groups of four to about 12 arrive in pairs and wait in the garden for Mr Khan. He said he found the birds comforting and a help in his battle with cancer.

Some fight over who gets to sit in the father-of-nine's hand, and others take refuge on his head. He said: "When up close you can hear them making amazing soft noises to one another, noises you can't hear when they are so far away.

"I don't know where they all come from. As soon as they have waited and been fed they look at me then fly away again.

"I have no idea where they go but I don't think they are from round here, maybe three or four miles away."

Mr Khan said he hopes that people will read his story and see "how lovely the birds are". "They love people and we should all try to get to know them," he added.