Swift nest sites are disappearing as renovations are made and buildings patched up.

Swifts, as a result, have been added to the red list - the highest conservation priority - meaning they have big declines in breeding populations and are globally threatened.

Now Co-op Llanidloes staff have done their bit for the extraordinary birds after being contacted by Llanidloes Swifts who were looking for local action for the special summer visitors.

Zoe Brandon, Co-op Llanidloes member pioneer, said: “We are extremely proud of our Colonial Swift Box, made by volunteers and installed on our building with their help - a perfect place to rest and raise a family (or six!).

“It's incredibly exciting waiting for news of these sooty brown flyers with a forked tail which appear quite black against the sky.

“Our colleague Pepe is sure they will begin to arrive from the 25th April in our town... if you see us looking up, now you know why!

“We have a free quiz and prize draw planned in store - a perfect opportunity to learn more about the swifts.

“We dearly hope more members of the community will come forward to help Llanidloes Swifts with the aims of their group.

“For our younger enthusiasts we have swift finger puppets available from the table at the front of our store.”