SO MUCH for global warming...

Icy mornings, hail, sleet and snow have had everyone dusting off their winter woollies even though spring has officially sprung.

But the depth of the problem was revealed today when it was revealed that chilly North Yorkshire is too cold even for PENGUINS !

In fact, at Flamingo Land it's so p-p-p-perishing that staff have had to hand-rear chicks indoors.

One of the wettest and windiest Aprils in recent years has caused temperatures to drop so much the young birds are finding it unbearable.

Last night, temperatures in the area plunged to -3C (27F).

The 12 chicks, which were all born at the zoo, near Malton, have all had to huddle under blankets to keep warm while staff feed them.

The Humbolt penguins are native to Peru, and at this time of year are used to having the sun on their backs.

They arrived at the zoo four years ago and have increased in numbers.

But zookeeper Andrew Melton says that in the last week snow, sleet, wind and rain have made it difficult for the mother penguins to keep the chicks warm.

"The weather has been really unpredictable and the mums can't cope," he said.

The chicks have to keep warm and need feeding every three hours to stand a chance of surviving.

"We've set up little incubators for them and they are sleeping on heated mattresses under tiny blankets," he added.

"Fortunately, we have enough staff here to make sure they are looked after around the clock."

Nina Hingley, one of the zookeepers nursing the chicks, is spending each night with the chicks, feeding them every three hours.

"We're winning so far - each morning I have to weigh and measure them to make sure they are beginning to thrive," said Nina, 22, from Thornton-le-Dale.

Some relief may be at hand for the penguins.

Neil Talboys, spokesman for the PA Weather Centre, said this weekend would be milder than it has been over the past three days.

He said: "Today's going to be much more pleasant with light winds and some sunshine, but that will disappear. The temperature will be between 11C and 12C.

"It's hardly the start of summer because we've got some rain tomorrow, and although the temperatures will still be around 11C or 12C there will be a cooler feel because of rain. Beyond that, Monday looks pretty grim and the rest of the week will be changeable."

Updated: 11:02 Saturday, April 21, 2001