Crane numbers lift

THE crane population of Britain has soared to a record high of at least 250, thanks to efforts to protect the habitat of our tallest bird.

- Steph Spyro

Eighty pairs of the elegant 4ft common cranes were confirmed last year, with 36 youngsters ready for flight, nature campaigners announced.

Damon Bridge, who chairs the UK Crane Working Group, said: "The conservation and protection of wetlands is helping our crane population go from strength to strength.