Squirrels aren’t always known to be the friendliest of creatures.

But this scurry of grey squirrels in Heaton Park could be some of the most affectionate ever caught on camera.

Video footage shows the group of ten or so furry rodents eating out of visitors to the park’s hands and even climbing on to their clothing.

The timid squirrels swarmed around Rob Prest and his friend as they handed out peanuts to them on a visit to the North Manchester park.

And Rob – who has been to feed the squirrels dozens of times – says he can’t remember them ever being so comfortable with humans.

He said: “We got there and walked around the park. Eventually we found some squirrels in an area that was a bit more secluded with a lot of trees.

“We were there for quite a while feeding them, and the longer we were there the more calm they became with us.

“We couldn’t believe it when they started eating from our hands – and then climbing up on us.

“They were being very friendly, and were obviously after food. Over the years I have been to the park lots and lots of times but never seen them act like that.”

Rob, a 30-year-old IT worker from Manchester, now plans to go back to the park to see if his good relationship with the park’s wildlife will continue.

He added: “I have not been for a little while because of the bad weather. But hopefully when I do go back they will be as friendly as before – it was great to get up close with so many squirrels.”