A FALCONER gave children in a Chester-le-Street school a rare treat when he dropped in with some of his feathered friends.

Youngsters at South Pelaw Infant School saw five types of owl, including European eagle, barn and tawny, as well as a falcon.

They were allowed to stroke and handle the birds of prey, under the eagle eye of Ray Lowden, of Kielder Birds of Prey Centre.

Headteacher Irene Cochrane said: "The birds were absolutely gorgeous and came in all different sizes and colours.

"He talked about the birds and what they do. We thought it would be nice to raise the profile of birds and it is not often the children get to see them at such close range. It was super to see the look on their faces. They had their mouths open and were full of awe and wonder."

Mr Lowden was there to launch the school's involvement with the RSPB's Big Schools' Birdwatch.

Youngsters are viewing birds from specific points around the school at special feeders.