Forget Big Brother - reality-show addicts can get a fix watching eggs hatch on a swan-cam.

Computer expert and part-time twitcher Robin Baker has placed two tiny web cameras in his back garden where a swan and her mate are waiting for cygnets to emerge from their ten eggs.

By visiting his Swan Watch, web site viewers can check on the development of the eggs, watch the cygnets hatch - hopefully in about a week's time - and eventually see them fly the nest to the nearby lake.

Two mute swans made their home in Robin's garden, overlooking Widewater in Lancing, last year and he was so fascinated by them he could not help telling everyone he knew about their activities.

When the birds returned this year, he decided to let the world in on the wonders of nature. Robin, 53, is so in awe of his feathered friends he even likens them to family.

He said: "It was lovely when the pair chose our garden to nest in.

"When they started making signs to nest there this year, I decided to do something because I wanted other people to see it, so I set up the Swan Watch site.

"I've become a bit of a twitcher but only for these birds. It's like having family camping out in the back garden.

"I'm an IT consultant for West Sussex County Council so computers and technology are my line of work.

"It took me two months to set up the web site and I installed the cameras myself.

"The site will be refined and updated as opportunity permits.

"The more often you visit the site, the more chance you will have of seeing the actual hatching.

"But there are sure to be many other interesting and amusing occasions to enjoy."

The county council web site has a link to Robin's Swan Watch pages.

A council spokeswoman admitted to spending hours watching the birds via the net.

To watch the swans for yourself, visit www.westsussex.gov.uk