THE latest arrival at a bird of prey centre may only be young - but he's keeping staff on the hop.

The little snowy owl is only 12 weeks old, but is demanding attention for every waking minute of his day.

And his carers at Falconry UK, at Sion Hill Hall near Thirsk, are looking forward to the day when he's more able to look after himself.

The owlet, called Avalanche, will eventually be featuring in educational school visits as well as taking part in displays.

But first he has to imprint himself on his human carers - which means that he goes wherever they go, day or night.

"It's incredibly demanding but it really is the only way to train this sort of bird," said spokesman Ben Potter.

"Eventually he'll almost believe he's human."