Nature lovers and conservationists were treated to a rare and exhilarating sight as a marsh harrier, one of the UK’s rarest and most striking birds of prey, was spotted.

With its wings held in a distinctive V-shape, the Harrier wheeled and soared over the industrial skyline at Seal Sands in Teesside over the last month.

The marsh harrier is the largest of the UK’s harrier species and is best known for its broad wingspan (up to 1.2 metres) and graceful, floating flight over reedbeds and marshlands.