ADELIGHTED youngsters came face-to-face with some magnificent birds of prey as enjoyed their summer holiday.

The head falconer at Sion Hill Hall, near Thirsk, took along three the birds to enthral children at RAF Leeming.

Jasper the Harris hawk, Minnie the owl and Zimba the Mackinder's eagle had the youngsters rapt with attention - particularly when they were allowed to handle and stroke the birds.

The visit was one of a number of activities arranged for the summer holidays by two of the base's organisations, Jesters, which provides fun for youngsters of school age, and Stepping Stones, which looks after the pre-schoolers.

Other events coming up include a teddy bears' picnic, treasure hunt and storytime.