A TEENAGER has realised his dream of working with bird of prey, after completing an apprenticeship.

David Horseman, 18, from Northallerton, began volunteering at the Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre aged just 13, doing limited work at weekends and during school holidays. He was so enthusiastic that on leaving school he was offered an apprenticeship at the centre. He has now completed his Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care and Welfare.

The qualification is affiliated with the College of Animal Welfare and was specially adapted to make it relevant to birds of prey by the centre and course tutor Emma Chambers.

Colin Badgery, director of Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre, said: “The course is normally geared towards people working in areas like kennels or catteries. It’s an obscure subject as opportunities in the field of birds of prey are limited.

“It also involved research, so it’s been beneficial to the centre because David had to research his topic and from that learning we’ve been able to adapt some things here."

He added: “David has worked hard for this qualification. From the early days as a volunteer his passion for working with these fantastic birds has been evident. It’s an unusual career path but one that David is well suited to.”

David said: “From an early age my dad used to bring me to watch the displays at Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre, so now to be a display falconer here is a dream come true.”