A PAIR of rare ospreys nesting in the North-East have produced three eggs, conservationists revealed today.

The birds of prey have made their nest in the remote 155,000-acre Kielder Forest in Northumberland Last summer, the pair raised three chicks, the first to be born in the region for 200 years and this year the pair have been at it again, laying three eggs in six days.

Amanda Miller, RSPB conservation manager for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, said: "Having another clutch of three eggs is fabulous news and we have our fingers crossed that they produce healthy chicks.

"Every young osprey reared in Kielder Water and Forest Park strengthens the prospects for the return of this once extinct bird to former haunts.

"This nest is only the second in England where ospreys have re-colonised naturally, so it really is critical for the future."

The eggs should begin to hatch by the end of May. The birds are believed to have originally come from Scotland, where the population is re-establishing itself and there is currently thought to be about 200 breeding pairs.

A viewing platform for bird watchers has been set up, while CCTV footage of the nest is being beamed directly to Kielder Castle Visitor Centre.

Duncan Hutt, from the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: "Last year we had nature lovers coming to Kielder from as far afield as Hong Kong.

"It was incredible how news about the ospreys travelled. We'll use powerful telescopes to pick out the distant nest and explain more about osprey family life."