The cygnets – the first to be born for several years at the park – are being guarded jealously by their father. The birds, which have quickly learnt to swim, are navigating their way round pedaloes and the model warships used to recreate famous naval battles.

Roger Burnett, Scarborough Council’s head of parks and countryside services, said: “We are very pleased to announce the birth of at least five cygnets. They were born just a few days ago.

“There has been a naval battle since the birds were born but it doesn’t seem to have perturbed them at all.

“Our workers helped mum and dad out a little by providing them with some nesting material and the family seem to be doing fine.”

Mr Burnett says people visiting the park to see the birds should avoid giving them large amounts of bread to eat.

“They’re pretty good scavengers and can take care of themselves really,” he said.

“I would think they’ll be around until at least the end of the summer before they go off to find their own territories to breed in.”