BOLTON'S Peregrines have produced four young this year, after failing to rear any chicks last year.

The birds of prey have nested at the top of the clock tower on top of Bolton town hall, taking over a former raven's nest after shunning a special nesting tray installed last year during work on the building.

There are four chicks in the nest and according to Judith Smith of the Manchester Raptor Group, they are about 20 days old and appear healthy.

The falcons are believed to have had eggs last year but according to Mrs Smith, it is not sure what happened to the chicks.

She said:"It could have been bad weather, but hopefully this year all being well, the young will be all right."

The Bolton birds have become a familiar sight over the town centre in the past few years.

Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds on earth and can reach speeds of up to 200mph when they stoop to catch their prey.