KEEN birdwatchers walked off Christmas excesses with a walk on New Year's Day.

The Gravesend branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of birds (RSPB) braved the cold for the walk at Foreness Point, near Margate.

The group organises regular walks at birdwatching "hot-spots" in and around Kent. Foreness point was chosen for its views of small wading birds such as turnstone.

RSPB Gravesend also holds regular indoor meetings featuring illustrated talks.

Anyone interested in joining should call the group leader on 01474 322171.