BIRDS of prey flew into a shopping centre much to the delight of onlookers.

One in particular was Craig Isherwood, a member of Teesside Stroke Club, whose love of animals and birds brought him to the event.

North Yorkshire Moors Birds of Prey held a static display at the Parkway Centre in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.

Several birds of prey - including owls, falcons and hawks - were there and thrilled shoppers were given the opportunity to hold one.

The event was held to raise money for the Teesside Stroke Club.

Mr Isherwood suffered two strokes within four days in November 2012 and is partially sighted and lost the use of his left hand as a result.

“You have to use your left hand to wear the glove and hold the birds but that is my bad hand,” said Mr Isherwood, 43, a dad-of-one and stepdad-of-one who lives in Saltersgill in Middlesbrough with his wife Michelle.

“It took about 40 minutes and three people to get the glove onto my hand but I was determined I was going to get it on.

“And it was definitely worth it.

“I love my animals - I have a couple of female ferrets.”