Hawks are stars at Cannes film fest

NEMESIS and Big Foot are two of the most popular security guards at this year's Cannes Film Festival - they are a pair of hawks tasked with scaring off pigeons and seagulls from the Croisette.

In total six birds take up residence each summer outside the Martinez hotel, one of the most popular spots in Cannes for A-listers during the festival, to ensure diners at the open-air beach restaurant and sunbathers are not nuisanced.

Their handler, Christophe Puzin, told 20 Minutes: "Eva Longoria and Andie McDowell wanted to have their photos taken with them. Julianne Moore came to see them last year too."

If a gull or pigeon comes in sight, the Harris' hawks are deployed for a quick flight to scare them away.

Mr Puzin added: "It's become an attraction, something of a show that customers enjoy watching."