The chicks are living in an artificial nesting bank which was installed in the reserve last year.

Sand martin chicks born at a newly installed habitat have been spotted for the first time.

The chicks arrived at WWT Washington Wetland Centre in March, just eight months after the artificial nesting bank was built.

Sand martins usually breed twice a year and lay four to five eggs each time.

Reserve manager John Gowland said if the birds raise a second brood there could be about 70 chicks born from eight breeding pairs.