Yarm Preparatory School youngsters were face to beak with mighty birds of prey when owls, hawks and falcons were brought along to meet three classes on Wednesday.

Their huge clawed-feet easily circled the youngsters' well-protected hands - a graphic illustration of the birds' size and strength, backed up by lethal-looking beaks.

Nonetheless, Rose Webb, of Stockton, and James Ducker, of Knayton, eagerly volunteered to be the first pupils to hold them.

Assistance came from the handlers, Tom Graham who grew up at Crathorne and Bedale man Peter Hird.

The birds were aged from six months to the grand old age of 24, the biggest and oldest being Spooky, a European eagle owl happy to show off his wingspan.

"Children and teachers are always amazed at the birds," said Mr Graham.

His late father, also called Tom, grew up at Kirklevington before working on the Crathorne Estate.

He quipped: "Every time we come to Yarm, the local crows have a real good squawk and give our birds some grief. I think ours would like to give them some grief back!"

Mr Hird said their work included clearing pigeons from Richmond's famous monument and gulls from Teesside Airport runway. He grew up at Sherraton, near Castle Eden.

Teacher Philip Hardy said: "The children are learning about birds of prey, seabirds and garden birds. In addition to today's display, we've visited the Farne Islands and conducted a garden bird survey for the RSPB."

The arboretum with the bird of prey centre is near Bedale.