HE'S the very latest - and smallest - addition to one of the North's biggest owl sanctuaries.

The Turkmanian eagle owl, hatched on Sunday, is one of more than 100 birds at the Kirkleatham Owl Conservation Centre, at Kirkleatham, near Redcar.

And the chick, hatched in an incubator because its mother has a history of only looking after a small number of young at one time, will not only live with hundreds of exotic birds, but also with new-born lambs, ponies and goats.

As well as housing every species of owl, buzzards, kestrels, falcons and even a talking raven, the bird keepers have decided they could no longer turn away other creatures in need of care.

"I've just taken in two young Shetland ponies that were being mistreated and one of whom is really ill," said founder member of the sanctuary, Jill Whalley.

"We are taking on two lambs tomorrow and we are getting goats in a couple of weeks.

"The plan is to extend the sanctuary and we are considering adding the words Animal Rescue Centre to our name."

Ms Whalley said that the 12-year-old sanctuary, which is next to Kirkleatham Museum, has just been refurbished.

Admission to the centre is £3 for adults, £2 for pensioners and £1.75 for children.

For more information, contact (01642) 480512.