Midges have taken over around the Berkshire village of Midgham

Residents of Midgham and the neighbouring village of Woolhampton, say the problem posed by the invading pests are the worst they have ever been.

The swarming flies can be seen in the villages, which are just a mile apart, and settling on cars, buildings and sometimes people.

Midgham has a population of 350 people while Woolhampton is just shy of 1,000 at 916 residents.

Some locals believe the insects have begun to hatch early as it has been unseasonably mild and described "clouds" of them.

Midgham and Woolhampton sit on the flood plain of the River Kennet and midges are known to lay their eggs in water or wet soil.

Another resident said: "I had hundreds come into my house last night after stupidly opening the door with the light on. I had to hoover my walls and ceilings."

Others described encountering "hundreds" of them as they did simple daily tasks like walking to their car.

There are many species of midge and they are known as a nuisance for travelling in swarms during the summer months.