A GOLDEN eagle has been spotted in the skies above upper Teesdale, to the delight of bird watchers and local businesses.

Some observers think the spectacular bird may have been in the North Pennines for several weeks. Now there are hopes that its presence will draw extra visitors.

The Teesdale sightings were highlighted by BirdGuides, a South Yorkshire firm which produces computer CDs on birds and collates information on sightings from ornithologists.

The eagle is believed to be only a year old, so is impossible to determine its sex.

A sighting was reported at Barnard Castle yesterday and in upper Teesdale on Wednesday.

BirdGuides news manager Russell Slack said: "We had two sightings reported to us last week and one on Sunday. Golden eagles are unusual for County Durham and this will cause quite a lot of excitement among bird watchers."

Enthusiasts are often reluctant to reveal the existence of golden eagles to avoid the unwanted attention of illegal egg collectors and those seeking to protect game birds such as grouse.

However, on this occasion, they believe large-scale interest could deter wrongdoers from the area.

A spokesman from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said: "This is an immature bird, so it is too young to breed and it is also ranging widely. The bird watchers felt the more people know about it, the better protection it will receive."

Most British golden eagles are in Scotland, and the RSPB spokesman said: "It is very encouraging that this golden eagle has been spotted south of the border."

Gary Wilson, who runs the High Force Hotel, said visitors often came to enjoy the area's wildlife, including the endangered black grouse.

He said: "Anything like this is welcome. People do like to come and take part in bird watching. We had 20 bird watchers at the weekend."

Records covering the early twentieth century make no mention of golden eagles in County Durham. There have been few sightings in the last 50 years.

There are two other pairs of golden eagles in England - one at Haweswater, in Cumbria, and another on the Northumberland border with Scotland.

BirdGuides information is available on 08000 350444 or www.birdguides.com