BROTHER and sister Tim Nobbs and Joanne Wilson have an almost certainly unique Christmas gift - a walk in the North Yorkshire countryside with a Harris hawk.

The hawk is one of the many birds they look after at their property in Northallerton following the launch of their company earlier this year.

They formed Quaker House Quail, with its office in Middlesbrough, in March and the "hawk walks" have proved to be very successful, with both novice and more experienced handlers learning how to fly a Harris hawk.

Mr Nobbs turned his hobby into a successful business, looking after birds of prey such as hawks, falcons and owls as well as other birds including pheasants, partridges and quails, while his sister manages the administration and promotion.

As well as the hawk walks, the company also plans to set up a falconry display in spring next year.

Part of their business also includes rearing quails for local restaurants, as demand for quail as a delicacy is high. They also hand-rear turkeys and game birds for Christmas.

Mr Nobbs and Ms Wilson hope to sell their produce at farmers' markets in the near future.

The couple worked with the TAD Centre as part of Business Link's Start Right in Business programme, whose business support services and advice included a viability study of the new venture, a business plan and cash flow advice.

Both Annette Semple from the TAD Centre and business adviser Richard Dowson from Business Link's Tees Valley offices have worked with Quaker House Quail since June. guiding Ms Wilson and Mr Nobbs through their first five months' trading. They will continue to support them for the next three years.

"We are really pleased with the way things are progressing and in the near future we are looking to move into larger premises, with the possibility of taking on our first staff," said Ms Wilson.

"The advice and support from Business Link and the TAD Centre has proved invaluable and we look forward to working with them and developing the business in the future."

Mr Dowson, from Business Link, has been impressed with the diversity of the business and the way it has grown since its launch in March.

"Tim and Joanne have worked very hard to get this business off the ground, " he said. "Their determination has paid off with orders coming in from all over the region for their unique product."

Business Link is part of the network of partnerships between the business community and Government, offering the local area an independent broker to provide expert business support, delivered directly and to meet customer deadlines.