PEREGRINE falcons nesting on York Minster have hatched healthy little chicks for the first time.

A pair of peregrines has been in residence at the cathedral for more than a decade, but no young had successfully reached fledging age until now, with the birds using a new purpose-made nest box on the North West tower.

The pair – known fondly as Mr and Mrs Peregrine by staff - have taken food to the nest, and at least two fluffy chicks have been videoed peeping over the parapet.

The RSPB said the chicks are now about three weeks old and it will monitor them and collect data about their behaviour.

Mark Thomas, senior investigations officer with the charity, said: “It is fantastic that the York Minster peregrines appear to have reared a brood of healthy chicks. 

"There are plentiful food sources at the moment so these chicks will hopefully continue to thrive. 

"Peregrines are a protected species and the fastest living things on the planet, able to reach 200mph when diving for prey, which they catch mid-air on the wing. They traditionally nest on cliff ledges in remote areas. 

"However these adaptable birds are increasingly making towns and cities their home.

“Peregrines are quick to adapt and have learned to find a place in our increasingly urban world. Cathedrals are very popular nest sites for urban birds as they offer the same jagged outcrops and high vantage points as a cliff-face.”