Nature experts at Rutland Water have been able to count the number of osprey chicks born there for the first time.

They have caught glimpses of three chicks at one nest, known as Site N, and two at another nest, called Site B.

The baby ospreys were born two weeks ago, sparking relief among wildlife lovers at the reserve who were worried because last year's nest failed.

The birds were seen for the first time at the end of last week.

Ospreys were absent from central England for more than 150 years until they began breeding at Rutland Water in 2001. This was thanks to a reintroduction programme by Anglian Water and Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. Since then, 22 chicks have fledged.

The birds returned to the reservoir in April for the breeding season and began nesting at two sites near the reserve.