SHOOTERS were warned that they might struggle to find grouse as the hunting season got under way yesterday - because the heatwave has sent the birds searching for water.

The Glorious 12th marked the start of the traditional shooting season in the north of England and Scotland.

The warm weather has ensured there are a large number of grouse on the hills across the country.

But one expert said yesterday that the continued dry spell might possibly scupper some hunters' chances of finding their prey.

Adam Smith, of the Game Conservancy, said that while some parts of the country might have their best season in years, others might suffer.

He said: "I would have been more bullish a few weeks ago. Some areas, such as the north-east of Scotland, are talking about having record shooting.

"But there are other areas where the lovely weather might have been too good, the hills are becoming very dry and they are beginning to run out of water. Even if it doesn't reduce the number of grouse, it will make them harder to find."

But despite Mr Smith's predictions, shooting parties in the north Pennines bagged between 100 and 400 birds yesterday.