THEY don't call Freddie "snackin' robin" for nothing.While it is usually the early bird that catches the worm, in a Barham farm shop, this cheeky red-breasted thief gets his beak in first every time.

THEY don't call Freddie "snackin' robin" for nothing.

While it is usually the early bird that catches the worm, in a Barham farm shop, this cheeky red-breasted thief gets his beak in first every time.

Head down and tail up, Freddie the robin is amusing customers at the Farm Shop and Nursery in Church Lane, by tucking into bird food inside the shop – and is oblivious to anyone else who comes inside.

Ever since a box of delicious fat balls were offered for sale he has been a regular "shopper" – but one who never pays.

The fat balls contain seeds, nuts and sunflower seeds and are wrapped in a ball on a string. They are made for garden and wild birds.

Neil Scott, who runs the shop with wife Janet, said: "He's been coming since the autumn. We've called him Freddie but we are not sure if it's male or female.

"He just came in one day and found them, I don't know how long he's been in the garden but it doesn't matter if the shop is full of customers he still flies in."

Freddie is the only feathered visitor to the shop and has tried other produce on the shelves, but nothing can stop him once he is in the box of fat balls.