IT looks like being a Glorious Twelfth in most parts of the North, with plenty of grouse in prime condition likely to make it a bumper season on many of the moors.

A mild and dry spring has meant birds have been able to thrive, so marksmen and women will be able to turn out in force in Teesdale and other areas when the season starts on Thursday.

Shooting has been arranged all over the region for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as all next week - the busiest start to any season since foot-and-mouth caused problems four years ago.

It amounts to good news for hotel owners, shopkeepers and part-time workers, including spotters and beaters, who rely on a reasonable grouse term to boost their earnings.

Lindsay Waddell, head gamekeeper in Upper Teesdale for Raby Estates, in County Durham, said yesterday: "The prospects are good generally. There are a lot of birds on the moors and most are in good shape, though the last six weeks have not been great.

"We will be able to start shooting on the 12th and most other areas can have an early start as well. Hotels will do good business and will not have the cancellations they have experienced in recent seasons."

Another shoot organiser in Teesdale, who asked not to be named for fear of protestors, said: "We had a decent time last year, but the signs are even better this time. It looks like being a bumper season all over the region."