ON August 27, after a pleasant celebration lunch in Darlington, my friend and I walked into South Park to admire the floral arrangements and enjoy the happy, holiday atmosphere.

As we left the park, we stopped at the bridge, over the River Skerne, to look for any wildlife below.

Suddenly, a flash of blue emerged from under the bridge, then dropped into the water, rose and flew back under the bridge.

What a wonderful end to my birthday to see a kingfisher on the River Skerne.

Congratulations Darlington for cleaning this important river and allowing us to see this beautiful, elusive bird.

Mrs Margaret Carney, Stockton