VISITORS to one of the region’s great cathedrals are being invited for a close-up view of the world’s fastest animal.

Two peregrine falcons took up residence on top of York Minster earlier this year to the excitement of local bird-watchers.

Experts believed they were showing signs of nesting and breeding but no chicks have been sighted, so it is thought the birds’ behaviour may just have shown them holding territory or that any eggs laid may not have survived.

However the pair, nicknamed Mr and Mrs Minster, are still in residence on the cathedral’s West End and the RSPB is holding two special events to raise awareness of them on July 19 and August 8.

Visitors to the Dean’s Park will be able to study the creatures – capable of reaching speeds of well over 200mph in a dive – through a powerful telescope.

The charity’s events co-ordinator Anthony Hills said: “It is fantastic that the peregrines have chosen York Minster as their home. Across the country we’ve seen increasing numbers of these magnificent birds after successful breeding on cathedrals and other high-rise buildings.

“Although the Minster’s peregrines haven’t bred this year, it’s likely they will do so in the future – and hopefully they will continue to capture the attention of York’s residents and visitors.”

As well as learning about peregrines, visitors will be given wildlife-friendly gardening tips to help provide a home for nature.

The RSPB will be in Dean’s Park, which skirts the north side of York Minster, between 9am and 4pm.