Two chicks spotted in osprey nest

It is not yet clear whether the nest's third egg has hatched

Two newly-hatched chicks have been spotted in the nest of the Lake District's resident ospreys.

It is the ninth brood for the male bird, known as "No Ring" since he arrived at Bassenthwaite Lake in 2001.

He was the first osprey to nest in the Lakes in 150 years and has reared six chicks with the current female and ten with his previous mate.

Three eggs are known to be in the nest, but it is not yet clear whether the third has hatched.

Nathan Fox, of the Lake District Osprey Project, said: "We're thrilled to see the arrival of the first osprey chicks of the season and look forward to seeing another new face in the coming days.

"This is always a nervous time for the project team so it is a great relief when the first eggs hatch."

The birds attract thousands of people to the area each year, providing a boost to the Lake District's economy.

Visitors to Bassenthwaite can watch them through high-powered telescopes at the Dodd Wood viewpoint, overlooking the lake.

Live images from the nest are also beamed to a big screen at the nearby Whinlatter visitor centre.