TWO peregrine falcon chicks enjoyed a safe start to life when a military operation was mounted to protect them from poachers.

During the past three years, chicks have been stolen from the site at Otterburn Military Training Area, in Northumberland, probably for the falconry market.

This year, the Ministry of Defence teamed up with Northumbria and Lothian and Borders Police, the RSPB and the Northumbria Ringing Group (NRG), which has monitored birds on the site since the 1960s, to make sure the birds remained safe.

Soldiers from 5 Regiment, Royal Artillery, Catterick, watched the nest during a critical two-week period during the breeding season.

Police officers were on standby to arrest thieves, while NRG members helped man the control room to give advice on peregrine behaviour.

The operation was a complete success and a male and female chick fledged from the site.

Captain Steve Mawson, Otterburn Range liaison officer, said: "The Army was delighted with the success of the operation and the watch provided invaluable experience for the surveillance teams."

RSPB investigations officer Guy Shorrock added: "This has been a great example of agencies working together to tackle these crimes and we are grateful for the help of the Army and everyone involved."