New cameras have been installed on the spire of Norwich Cathedral to give a close-up view of the pair of peregrines which has taken up residence.

Staff and volunteers from The Hawk and Owl Trust fixed them next to the nesting platform high on the spire with the help of firefighters and the cathedral's foreman.

The tricky task involved leaning out of windows 75 metres above the city streets to attach the cameras on the platform. The fire officers had already given some of their time off to help install the platform earlier in the year.

The birds first attempted to breed using the platform at Easter but were unsuccessful because the female was still a juvenile.

The male is holding his territory and the peregrines can often be seen around the cathedral and further afield in the city.

The female has now moulted into her adult plumage so there are high hopes that they will breed successfully next spring.

Nigel Middleton, the trust conservation officer for the eastern region, said: 'Once again, we have to thank all the clergy and staff at Norwich Cathedral who are giving so much support to the peregrines, and members of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service who have given their free time so generously to help install the platform and cameras.

'We will all be waiting with bated breath to see if the peregrines begin to display breeding behaviour and hopefully there will be exciting news in the spring.'

If the peregrines do nest successfully next year, the trust will be working with the cathedral to provide a viewing point in the Cathedral Close so that visitors can see the birds through telescopes.

The trust will be seeking volunteers who are prepared to give some of their time to run this watchpoint and help visitors to the cathedral learn more about the peregrines.

If you would like to get involved, please contact the trust on 01328 856788 or leanne.thomas@hawkandowl.org

Do you have a story about wildlife for the Evening News? Call reporter Stephen Pullinger on 01603 772446 or email stephen.pullinger@archant.co.uk