The eggs, which were among 10 laid by resident duck Blue Beak, had initially survived after a fox killed the other seven eggs and Blue Beak herself.

Staff at Whitby Abbey took over as mother and hoped to give the remaining eggs the best chance of survival by purchasing an incubator with money given from the publicity department.

The eggs were turned five times a day to ensure that warmth reached every inch of them, but on Wednesday morning, the staff were upset to discover that the unhatched ducklings had seemingly lost their battle.

"We arrived at work, and when we went to check on the eggs first thing, there was a horrible smell coming from the room in which the incubator was being kept," said site and retail supervisor, Geoff Young.

"We assume this means that unfortunately, the eggs have died."

Blue Beak, who was killed along with seven of her eggs three weeks ago, was part of a famous threesome at the Abbey; her male companion Boots and female companion Fussy are now struggling on without her.

The three Aylesbury ducks had made a habit of getting themselves noticed, albeit not always in a very good way.

"Before he arrived, it was just the two girls," said Mr Young.

"On several occasions when it was cold outside, we found Boots had wandered inside and could be heard quacking even from downstairs. He's certainly a bossy one.

"And when we held a wedding here, the bride and groom wanted to be photographed walking 'up the aisle' in the Abbey and every time they walked, there were the three ducks, following behind, just quacking away."

The abbey ducks now appear to have become celebrities even featuring on the Abbey's postcards with people even ringing up to ask how the ducks are getting on.

The two remaining ducks, aptly named Fussy and Boots, are now adjusting to life without their female friend.

Geoff said they had considered building a coop near the lake to ensure the safety of the birds and future eggs.

He added: "There's a good chance that Fussy will lay some eggs, but we're just hoping she'll find a safer nest."

Staff now plan on giving Fussy and Boots another friend and anyone who has a female Aylesbury duck they would like to donate as a companion for Fussy and Boots shoud contact Whitby Abbey on (01947) 603568.