A CLUB in which youngsters learn about birds of prey and wildlife conservation is proving a huge hit.

The club, which meets every other Saturday at the Sion Hill Hall Falconry Centre in Kirby Wiske, near Thirsk, has been full for the past several weeks.

Staff say that they may consider increasing the 23 places on offer for next year's season, beginning in March.

Youngsters, aged between nine and 15, are given badges and t-shirts and get to handle and look after birds of prey such as barn owls.

They are also taught the importance of protecting wildlife habitats in a school room at the centre.

The youngsters in the club, run by lead falconer Ben Potter, are working on their own display for the public.

Ian Ashton, managing director of Falconry UK Limited, which runs the centre, said: "The interest has been phenomenal. We've got people coming from all over - Rotherham, Sheffield, Newcastle.

"The importance of this centre is that they learn to appreciate wildlife, not just birds of prey, and you can get hold of people at an early age to give them an insight."

For more details telephone (01845) 587522 or log on to www.fal conrycentre.co.uk