A BIRD lover is appealing for thieves to return a rare falcon stolen from the garden of his Chester-le-Street home.

Kane, a hybrid cross between a peregrine and gyr falcon, is valued at £1,000.

The seven-month-old bird was being trained as a hunter by self-employed Steven Kears, of Brackenbeds Close, Pelton.

It was stolen between 2.15pm and 4pm, on Friday, when thieves cut through a leash securing the falcon to a block on the lawn.

The criminals left behind Bodie, a Harris hawk, who was also tethered to a block on the lawn.

Mr Kears, 36, said: "There are not many of these birds about. I had it since September and it's just a young one, which I have trained up myself and is starting to fly well.

"Whoever has taken it will want to sell it for hunting, because it's too young to breed."

Kane was registered with the Department of the Environment and was ringed on both legs. One of the rings was silver and had Falcon Mews written on it.

The bird is about 10in, has a brown back, a cream-coloured breast with mottled flecks, and pale green talons.

Anyone with information should telephone Chester-le-Street police on 0191-388 4311.