THE first of four peregrine chicks which hatched in Derby Cathedral has made its maiden flight, coming down to land on a nearby roof.

The bird took flight at around 2.30pm yesterday.

Nick Brown, from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said the youngster came down to the ground and was caught and put in a box.

It was then taken back to the top of the tower where it will be released so that it can try again later.

He said: "This is a worrying time for us.

"Each year at least one of the brood fails to get back to the tower after taking its first flight and we have had to rescue it from the surrounding streets.

"Last year three of the four chicks came down so we are hoping this year's quartet are more successful at flying."

Nick Moyes, of Derby Museum, said: "The interest in these birds has grown each year that they have nested on the cathedral.

"With the web cams and blog proving to be addictive to people all over the globe, we have had nearly 400,000 hits since February, well up on last year."

The birds first nested in 2006, rearing three young that year, two the following year and four in 2008.

Nick Brown said: "The young will stay around the cathedral for at least another month, learning to fly and to feed for themselves.

"Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is organising watch points on Cathedral Green so that visitors can see the birds through telescopes."

This week's watch points will take place tomorrow, on Friday and Saturday, between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

There is no charge but donations to the project are welcomed.