NEWLY-HATCHED Chilean flamingos promise to draw crowds of admirers after an early arrival at a North-East nature reserve.

Two chicks have made their appearance at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), Washington Centre, where they have nested successfully for the fourth year in a row - and a third one is expected to emerge at the weekend.

The flock of more than 50 birds used to breed only sporadically and the survival rate of the young was very poor, due to them hatching very late in the year.

But, thanks to some warm and sunny spring weather and considerable effort by the wardens, the flamingos have nested a month earlier than ever before.

Grounds manager Andrew Donnison said: "Staff here at the centre are delighted that the flamingos have chosen to nest once again.

"It is very rewarding to have their efforts to manage the nesting island appreciated"

Flamingos, unlike the other birds at WWT Washington, build their nest out of very wet and very sticky mud, so working on the island is physically demanding.

Avicultural warden Darren Grieves said: "It is better for the flamingos to nest early because the chicks take several months to develop and later hatching birds have less chance of survival.

"Less sunlight in the autumn can cause rickets to develop in the young birds legs and wet winter can chill small young."

The chicks, which are fluffy grey and have straight beaks, will be able to stand and give visitors their first glimpse this weekend.