Milestone in kite adoption scheme

Schoolchildren have named their red kite Centurion

An scheme inviting schools across the the north-east of England to adopt a bird of prey has reached a milestone.

Under the red kite initiative, once a bird becomes available, schoolchildren choose its name, then receive regular updates on its progress.

They also get the chance to go and see it in the wild.

Roman Road Primary School, in Leam Lane, Tyneside, became the hundredth school to adopt a kite since the scheme started four years ago.

Bronia Lacey, adopt-a-kite teacher at Roman Road Primary School, said: "The whole school were involved in naming the kite and it turned out to be extraordinarily apt to name it Centurion.

"Using the kites, and the scheme, is going to be a great way for our children to learn about the environment."

The Northern Kites project is managed by English Nature and the RSPB in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, National Trust and the Forestry Commission.