LIFE in lockdown can lack a splash of colour without friends to share your space with.

For a couple based on the outskirts of Ryde this hasn't been a problem, with a gathering of furry companions joining them throughout the year.

Erik and Ima Van Dam run Whitefield Woodyard on Brading Road, and spend their evenings winding down alongside a scurry of red squirrels on their veranda.

Erik said: "The squirrels have been coming here for years, they are charming little animals and very tame.

"This year we've seen a drastic increase in their numbers, which might be to do with the campsite next door being closed, meaning they visit us more often.

"This morning we had twelve join us for breakfast and last night nine of them popped along.

"We've been buying a 14kg bag of sunflower seeds each month to keep them fed, so it can be an expensive relationship! They are so friendly and greet us within minutes of going outside."

Ima was able to capture footage of the affable house guests last night (Monday), when they tucked into an evening meal alongside the human family they've adopted as their own.

Whitefield Woodyard, which is now open to the public and welcoming visitors, is known for producing striking chainsaw carvings and multimedia art. Click here to find out more about their work.

Take a look at the video Ima filmed of nine red squirrels joining her and Erik for dinner last night;