Rare fly returns to county

The Phoenix resembles a standard housefly

A rare species of fly has excited wildlife experts in Northamptonshire - after apparently coming back from the brink of extinction.

The Phoenix fly population has been steadily falling for decades, and has not been spotted in this county for many years.

The Phoenix, which resembles a common housefly, appears to have returned to Bradlaugh Fields, to the delight of conservationists

Brian Eversham, of Northampton Wildlife Trust, said: "There is actually nothing known about it.

"By the time wildlife specialists realised it was in decline it had virtually disappeared.

"Having discovered the population locally, we want to find out more about it."

Bradlaugh Fields is an urban park which was built upon Northampton's old golf course.