A RARE species of wader has nested at a reservoir for the first time in many years.

Two pairs of little ringed plovers have nested at Ringstone reservoir, near Ripponden.

Six chicks have hatched after the birds built their nests on the reservoir shore.

And the newcomers have brought a promise by officials to monitor water levels so the chicks are not put at risk.

Yorkshire Water recreation manager Geoff Lomas said: "It's been a pleasure to have these rare birds. We hope that now we have had two nesting pairs, others will settle in the area.

"But we'd appreciate it if they chose less risky sites for their nests."

There are thought to be no more than 1,000 nesting pairs of little ringed plover in the UK every year.

They fly in from Africa in March to raise their young, before heading south in July. They've been seen in West Yorkshire in the past, but few really settled.

Changes were made at Ringstone to offer the birds an ideal breeding habitat, with the sort of shingle banks they prefer.

Nick Carter, of the Calderdale Bird Conservation Group, said: "We're delighted to have them.

"They would have been at serious risk of being washed out had it not been for the co-operation of Yorkshire Water."