EXPERTS believe at least four chicks have been bred by a rare pair of birds nesting in the region, exceeding all expectations.

The pair of bee-eaters are the first to successfully raise a family in Britain for almost 50 years.

The fledgling chicks are due to leave the nest within days.

Thousands of visitors have watched their progress since they arrived at a disused quarry in Bishop Middleham, County Durham, at the beginning of June.

The chicks were spotted last month, but their exact number was unknown because their nest is in a tunnel bored out of a cliffside.

David Hirst, of the RSPB's northern region, said: "We now believe they've got at least four chicks in the nest.

"That's very exciting because earlier in the week we thought there were two, so this is terrific news."

Birdwatchers are now waiting the first chicks to leave the nest, which could happen any time in the next few days.

Mr Hirst said: "We're hoping that when they leave the nest they might appear in front of the public viewpoint.

"The oldest one could go any day now. If the weather turns nicer it could be over the bank holiday weekend or early next week.

"They're not out of the woods yet - they've got to leave the nest, get used to flying and learn to catch bees."

Time is running out for anybody wanting to see the birds because it will not be long before they leave the region to winter in Africa.

A viewpoint has been set up on farmland near the village of Bishop Middleham, north-west of Sedgefield. Access is from the A1 and A177 and follow the signs to the bee-eaters. There is a small charge for car parking.