Norwich Cathedral peregrine falcon chick hatches

A peregrine falcon chick has hatched on a platform on Norwich Cathedral spire.

The chick, the first in a clutch of four, was sighted alive and well at 12:02 BST. Experts said it was the first hatched in the city in 200 years.

Hawk and Owl Trust volunteer Jan Smith said: "We could have all four chicks by tonight, but we anticipate they'll hatch over the next 48 hours."

The trust said it was "very excited" at the news, adding it was "wonderful the birds have come back to the city".

The eggs were laid on a platform, set up by the Hawk and Owl Trust, between the 22 and 30 March.

An egg was laid on the platform last year but the chick inside was dead.

However, conservationists believe the new eggs have been produced by a different female.

Ms Smith added: "The mood at the cathedral is ecstatic, really exciting. We've had loads of visitors coming to see what's going on.

"It will take six weeks until they fledge, but it's likely they'll stay around until the parents drive them off which would be before the next breeding season."

Activity on the ledge is being followed 24-hours a day by two cameras, one of which is <link> <caption>broadcast on the internet.</caption> <url href="http://www.hawkandowl.org/TrustAtWork/Conservation/Urbanperegrines/norwichperegrineplatformLive12.htm" platform="highweb"/> </link>