A WILDLIFE success story is being celebrated with two dusk walks through 4,000 acres of woodland.

The Forestry Commission is staging the treks through Hamsterley Forest, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham on two consecutive Fridays, June 27 and July 4, to hunt out an elusive nocturnal bird.

The nightjar has been a constant source of superstition and folklore due to its silent flight and supposed ability to steal milk from goats.

It became extinct in the region in the 1970s due to the loss of traditional heathland habitat. Its instinct for survival led it to Hamsterley where recently felled sites offered the right combination of good nesting and moths and beetles to feed on.

The Forestry Commission now believes there are 14 nesting pairs journeying each summer from their winter home in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ranger Robins Lofthouse said: "The bird is a real film star as far as twitchers are concerned and has an amazing following."

The events start at the visitor centre at 8.30pm and cost £3.50, concessions £2. Booking is essential, on (01388) 488312.