A TELEVISION wildlife show presenter has thrown his weight behind a venture to return rare red kites to North-East skies.

Nick Baker, who presents TV's Really Wild Show, will be in the region on Thursday, October 14, to lend his support to the Northern Kites project.

He will also join an event at Gateshead MetroCentre and meet local members of RSPB Wildlife Explorers, the society's junior section.

Twenty of the spectacular birds of prey were reintroduced into Gateshead's Derwent Valley in the summer, the first time red kites have been seen in the region for at least 150 years.

Mr Baker said: "I am delighted to support the Northern Kites project.

"As many local people have already discovered, kites are stunning birds and their presence will help make the North-East a top destination for wildlife tourists.

"The North-East has so much to offer visitors now, with wonderful wildlife, fantastic leisure facilities and first-class arts and music venues."

Mr Baker will visit two Gateshead schools during the day to talk to pupils about the red kites and join a kite-making workshop before going to the family event at the MetroCentre's Town Square, near House of Fraser, at 4pm.

The five-year Northern Kites initiative will lead to a breeding population of red kites in the region.