PECKING penguins are not a hazard most window cleaners have to endure, but Derek Youd — water services technician at Torquay's Living Coasts — is used to all manner of exotic beasts taking an interest in his work.

"We've got an aquarium where we've got fish like mangrove stingrays – we'll have someone watching over us when we're cleaning the windows down there to make sure they keep away," said Derek who is also the coastal zoo's dive supervisor.

"But I'm used to octopus climbing all over me."

However, the most persistent window cleaner playmate is Solly, the Macaroni Penguin.

"Solly is unusual in that he was hand-reared," said Derek.

"What we're trying to do is to stop them thinking of us divers as honorary penguins – that could mean he's more comfortable with humans than the other Macaronis that live in the aquarium.

"He swims down hoping to play with us when we're cleaning the inside of the aquarium windows about once a week - and he does give you a nip just to make you know he's up for a game – sometimes he nips you in places you don't particularly want.

"But there are times when I feel very privileged – it's fantastic to have these animals moving around you when you are working."

The only occupants of the aquarium with which Derek is not allowed to swim are the fur seals.

He added: "They have to be moved out while we're down there because they are listed as dangerous creatures – and there's a big male called Gringo who I wouldn't particularly want to clean windows with."