BIRDS of prey put on an indoor display for schoolchildren yesterday.

A barn owl, a tawny owl and a peregrine falcon from Silverband Falconry Centre, in Penrith, Cumbria, visited Mowden Infant School, Darlington.

But bad weather meant an outdoor display planned for the afternoon had to take place in the school hall.

Earlier, pupils heard from the birds' handlers and sketched charcoal drawings.

Headteacher Chris Taylor said: "The children loved it. It's something completely different for them and they learn lots from it, including the savagery of the birds, which were fed with dead mice throughout the day. It was a great day. It's just a pity we couldn't get outside."