BUDDING performer Morticia would win any talons show.

The hand-reared turkey vulture is a rising star at the Kirkleatham Owl Conservation Centre, near Redcar, east Cleveland, where she is being trained to give flying demonstrations for visitors.

Her development is something of a coup for proprietor Jill Whalley.

"It is a dream come true - one I have had for the last 14 to 15 years," she said.

"We had her parents and have looked after her since she was in the egg. She associates with people and she is very tame.''

The centre opens to the public at Easter with eight or nine birds trained to fly and perform tricks, but with Morticia already possessing a 5ft wing span, and not yet fully grown, Mrs Whalley says she will let the bird choose how she wants to perform.

"It depends on her and what suits her," said Mrs Whalley. "With a 5ft wing span she needs some room. It's like a plane taking off."

Morticia will have a 6ft wingspan by the time she is fully grown.