CHILDREN at Haxby Road Primary School in York have been welcoming some new arrivals, after the hen eggs they had been caring for hatched.

The three and four-year- old foundation stage pupils had been looking after the eggs throughout the three- week incubation period.

The eggs and equipment had been supplied by Simon Turner, whose son, Ryan, attends the school.

Mr Turner had helped guide the staff and children through the process while the eggs were in the incubator.

The scheme, which has run for several years, is designed to help teach the pupils about the importance of caring for and looking after animals. A school spokesman said all the pupils are now visiting the chicks to check on their progress.

The chicks will remain at the school until Easter, when they will return to Mr Turner, who has a smallholding.