Overnight at the spire of Norwich Cathedral three of the peregrine falcon chicks have now hatched and feeding has begun in earnest.

Eastern Daily Press: Three chicks have hatched overnight at Norwich CathedralThree chicks have hatched overnight at Norwich Cathedral (Image: Archant)

The first signs of hatching began early yesterday morning, and now the fourth and final egg is expected to hatch over the coming days.

Last year the delay in hatching the fourth egg was critical, leaving the chick unable to compete with its siblings for food and passing away.

The Hawk and Owl Trust are watching carefully and hope there is not a repeat of 2015.

Martin Lippiatt, of the Hawk and Owl Trust, said: 'Last year the hatching was spread over three or four days, so for three of them to come at once is quite unique. 'When the fourth hatched in 2015, it sadly wasn't able to survive. They grow so quickly at this stage the youngest one could not compete with its siblings, and died within the first week.

'We hope that does not happen again, and to have these three on a level playing field means they are all strong enough to compete for the food.

'The parents can only feed one at a time, and if there is one that doesn't fight, it gets left out.'

To watch the live feed visit hawkandowl.org.