RESIDENTS of a picturesque village have always known what a treasure their community is.

But now thousands of people have discovered that tucked between Ferryhill and Sedgefield, in County Durham, is the neighbourhood of Bishop Middleham.

In just five weeks, an estimated 15,000 nature lovers have travelled along the A1, down a winding country road towards the village in search of a family of rare birds.

A pair of southern European bee-eaters arrived on the outskirts of the village in early June and successfully nested at Bishop Middleham quarry.

Wardens from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Durham Wildlife Trust and local volunteers mounted a 24-hour vigil to protect the birds until they and two chicks left for warmer climes.

As the first bee-eaters to be seen in Britain for almost 50 years, they attracted widespread attention from ornithologists and nature lovers.

About 15,000 people have visited the nesting site in the past two months - more than ten times the population of the village.

While visiting the area, many have enjoyed a day in the village and left its businesses to reap the benefits.

Lene Salicki, landlady of the Cross Keys pub, said: "There have certainly been a lot of people calling for bar meals or a drink while here to see the birds.

"A lot of them have commented on what a pretty village it is and hopefully, now they know what's here, they will return."

Joanie Sheehan, who runs Front Street Shop, said: "Bus loads have been to see the birds, some have bought drinks or ice-creams when passing through.

"I think the main benefit is that they have learned about our three and five-mile circular walks and historic St Michael's Church, so they could return for day trips and bring trade into the area."

The impact has been greater than most for Stuart and Daphne Anderson, who own Farnless Farm, next to the quarry.

To ease congestion on the country roads around the quarry, the couple opened a field for parking, charging £2 a car. The RSPB also set up a viewing point with a row of telescopes on their land.

Mrs Anderson said: "It has been a nice contrast to last year.

"Because of foot and mouth, we saw hardly anyone for weeks, but recently we've had thousands of people through our gates."

Mr Anderson said: "It's been a pleasure to see so many people enthusiastic about wildlife and they have been so respectful of the land, we found just one piece of litter in a month. We didn't make much money as the field could not be farmed during that time, but we're thrilled people have realised Bishop Middleham is worth a visit."

Councillor Mike Smith, chairman of the parish council and a member of Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "There has been a lot of activity in the village due to the interest in the bee-eaters.

"I don't think it has made thousands of pounds for villagers, but it has put us on the map. I'm sure most visitors will want to come back and see a bit more.