A SERIES of magnificent birds of prey demonstrated their power and hunting skills when they took to the skies at the weekend in a special display at Yorkshire's oldest stone fortress.

Visitors to the 900-year-old Richmond Castle were treated to a medieval falconry demonstration as part of an events programme which was organised by English Heritage.

Mike and Emma Raphael, of Raphael Falconry, put Harris hawks, Lanner falcons and owls through their paces, as well as giving educational talks on the history of falconry.

Visitors also joined tours of the mews and a hawk house, complete with authentic furniture as it would have appeared in the 15th Century