If you spot a hawk flying around Darlington town centre then don’t be alarmed.

Frankie, the 19-year-old Harris Hawk, has been tasked with regularly flying around the town to scare off pigeons.

It comes as councillors have documented a rise in large groups of pigeons in popular town centre spots like High Row. But shoppers have now been urged not to feed them.

Darlington Borough Council has recently teamed up with Tori Goodall and Frankie, from Walworth Birds of Prey, and have already seen numbers fall thanks to their efforts.

Cllr Jonathan Dulston, leader of the council, said: “This is a non-lethal way to encourage the pigeons to disperse.

Residents tell us loud and clear that they’re a major issue when they congregate and can be quite off putting to our fantastic town. It’s also cost he council a lot of money in trying to clear up all of this mess.

“We’re doing our bit, but we need you to play your part too. Please help keep our town centre clean and don’t feed the pigeons.

“Not only is it harmful to the birds, but it’s also unhygienic – think pigeon droppings and rats! It’s also classed as littering and you could be fined £150!”

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