A NEW Bird of Prey centre is offering an unforgettable wedding day experience.

A beautiful and specially trained owl or hawk will fly down the aisle to deliver the wedding rings to the best man and couple at the altar.

“It’s proving popular,” said Tori Goodall,” Nan, a baby barn owl we have will also be specially trained to join the team.”

She and partner David Toms are both experienced falconers and officially open their Walworth Castle Birds of Prey Centre in the grounds of the 17thcentury Walworth Castle Hotel, near Darlington, tomorrow.

The couple used to run Northside Falconry on the A66 near Barnard Castle but had to find a new base because of the planned extension to a nearby quarry.

They received planning permission to create the centre in the castle’s eight acres of grounds and woodland last year and are looking forward to Sunday’s opening.

The couple have more than 20 birds and will show off their flying skills in displays at 11.30am and 2.30pm each day.

Alfie the kestrel, Oscar the Peregrine falcon and a variety of hawks and owls and swoop and dive at speeds of up to 180mph or glide effortlessly.

Tori said: “We wanted to build a home for the birds in a natural setting, to promote the conservation of these wonderful birds and help educate people about these birds of prey. It has been hard work, but we are really pleased so far and the site has so much potential for further development over the next few years, we can’t wait for people to come and visit WCBOP.”

The centre offers a variety of experiences including falconry days and afternoons which involve a tour of the centre and introduction to the birds followed by a hands on flying experience.

Hawk walks offer the opportunity to fly a Harris hawk to the participants gloved fist; family falconry experiences let all the family fly a Harris hawk; and photography afternoons provide the opportunity to picture the birds in flight or static.

School parties and birthday parties can be catered for and between October and February hunting days are offered in Teesdale which involve the team of Harris hawks, ferrets and dogs working together.

The centre is open daily, except Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Falconry displays are held at 11.30am and 2.30pm each day.

Entrance is adults £5 and children £4. See walworthcastlebirdsofprey.co.uk.