A hawk that usually patrols the skies of Wimbledon keeping them free of pigeons is set to swoop into Southampton International Boat Show to keep people's chips safe from seagulls.

Rufus the Hawk has been appointed 'Head of Seagull Security' at the Southampton event, which takes place next month, and will be tasked with keeping pesky seagulls away from people's chips. 

The famous bird, previously photographed alongside recently retired tennis star Sir Andy Murray, has been keeping the skies over the All England Club free of pigeons for over 20 years during the Wimbledon championships. 

He is expected to create a 'safe chip zone' at the International Boat Show and will be on duty on Saturday, September 14 with visitors also able to visit him and get photos. 

READ MORE: Princess Anne to visit Southampton Boat Show 2024

It comes as research by the Southampton International Boat Show showed that seagulls have been responsible for the theft of over 60 million chips.

A spokesperson said: "Rufus will have to be on the ball as he patrols the shoreline, as his new jurisdiction will include a lot of places where Brits fear their chips are most likely to be pilfered.

"Shoreside picnic benches are the most worrisome spots, with nearly two-fifths (19 per cent) keeping their eyes on the skies.

"Meanwhile, 16 per cent are on edge while chomping chips on marinas and piers and 15 per cent on walking down the promenade.

"Southampton also has one of the highest seagull-related chip theft rates in the UK, with 44 per cent experiencing this, more than other south-coast seaside towns of Brighton & Hove and Plymouth (39 per cent and 32 per cent respectively)."

The boat show sees thousands of people flock to the city every year and is due to take place between September 13 and 22. 

A host of changes are set to come for this year's boat show - including the main entrance.

This year's entrance is now situated next to West Quay Showcase Cinema, a stone's throw from its previous location by the town's food court.

The change aims to immerse attendees into the boating world immediately upon arrival. In response to past attendees' feedback, the event is receiving a pivotal layout overhaul to emphasise a "zonal approach."