A Harrington woman is flying high after helping a rescued bird of prey take to the skies again.

Next week will be the first time American red-tailed hawk Solo has flown freely since being adopted by Jenny Tremble after his owner died two years ago.

The flight will be a huge milestone in the pair's relationship as Solo spreads his wings and explores West Cumbria.

Jenny said: "It's nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time.

"He's my first bird of prey so if he disappeared I'd be heartbroken but I'm so excited to give it a go because I don't want a pretty bird just sat in an aviary."

Jenny had experience of dealing with birds from her job at Galemire Veterinary Hospital in Cleator Moor and had looked after an African grey parrot for 12 months, but had never dealt with a bird of prey before.

So when she took on nine-year-old Solo after Workington bird-lover Phillip Hall died, she did not know what to expect.

Mr Hall had rescued Solo and nursed him back to good health and his daughter Linzi taught Jenny the basics before asking if she would like to keep him.

Jenny said: "Falconry wasn't something I'd thought about but I do have a degree in zoology and I've always been fascinated with birds.

"I used to draw them as a child and tried to get the feathers absolutely right. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Solo stays in an aviary at Jenny's parents home near Cockermouth but did enjoy a trip to Loweswater Show last month, where Jenny was inundated with questions and picture requests.

Jenny has been supported by Nicky and Steve Rose, of Whitehaven, who have kept birds and helped sort scales to monitor Solo's weight, and David Thomson, of Workington, who also knows about the creatures and answers any questions she might have.

After a slow start while Solo and Jenny got to know each other, they are now firm friends and Jenny believes she is learning just as much about Solo as he is about her.

She said: "You do a lot of what's called manning when you get a bird, just sitting with them and spending a lot of time together.

"He was sat on my arm in a garden shed while I was reading a book when I'd been looking after him for maybe a week and he went to sleep and that was such a pat on the back, that this bird felt comfortable enough to do that.

"That was the best feeling in the world. He's definitely more comfortable with me now.

"I like his stubbornness. He's so stubborn and I am too so some days it's a battle of wills. He is a beautiful bird but can be quite temperamental.

"He's more intelligent than I ever realised and has a sense of humour and attitude."