"The numbers follow an improving year-on-year trend," says Durham Wildlife Trust's warden.

The number of little tern fledglings at a seaside resort has hit record levels.

Durham Wildlife Trust warden Derek Wood said 140 of the birds had developed wing feathers large enough for flight at Seaton Carew in Hartlepool this year.

“The numbers follow an improving year-on-year trend,” he said.

Earlier this month the birds set off on their annual three-month migratory journey to The Gambia in west Africa.

Last year the team recorded 125 fledglings at Seaton Carew, whereas in 2022 there were just 89.