THEY hesitated at first when offered their freedom, but soared away majestically when they took to the wing.

The first six red kites to take to the skies over the North-East in more than 150 years were released into the wild at an undisclosed location in the Derwent Valley yesterday.

They will soon be joined by another 14 birds as part of a project to re-establish a breeding population of the spectacular birds.

The Northern Kites initiative is the first introduction of the birds to a semi-urban environment near Gateshead.

The young birds were collected from nests in Buckinghamshire last month and were cared for in the region until they were able to feed themselves and old enough to take their first flight.

Northern Kites project manager Keith Bowey said: "With their rust-red plumage, 5ft wingspan and effortless flight, red kites are really a stunning sight.

"Today's release provides a great opportunity to bring spectacular wildlife right to the heart of the region.

"From today, local people will be able to watch the unrivalled grace and beauty of these birds on a daily basis, and we are confident that they will also attract visitors from far and wide to the region."

More birds will be released in the valley next year and in 2006. Breeding is likely within a couple of years and it is hoped that a self-sustaining population will result.

The Northern Kites initiative is a partnership between English Nature, The RSPB, Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission, with additional funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund.