FOUR rare red squirrels are the latest additions at a falconry centre.

The litter is being hand reared at Falconry UK, Sion Hill Hall, near Thirsk, and will soon be tame enough to be handled by visitors.

The squirrels - one female and three male - have yet to be named and children are being invited to put their suggestions forward.

The winners will receive free admission to the centre, best known for its bird displays. Falconer Ben Potter and centre volunteers are hand rearing the squirrels and getting them used to being handled by children. Managing director Ian Ashton said: "We hope that in a couple of months they will be tame enough to be a part of the centre's daily shows. Being so rare they will be very educational for children who probably will never have seen a red squirrel before."

Suggestions for names for the litter should be sent to Falconry UK Ltd, Sion Hill Hall, Kirby Wiske, Nr Thirsk, North Yorkshire.