Girls’ names are among chick picks

TWO young nature lovers were amongst the winners in a ‘name the peregrine falcon chick’ competition organised by the council.

Hundreds of entries flooded in, from across the borough and beyond, leaving the judging panel with the difficult task of plucking out just four lucky winners.

And it was two local school children who showed an eagle-eye for interesting names by wowing the judges with their choices.

Abbie Taylor, who attends Smithy Bridge Primary School, named one of the chicks Perrie while Sarah Pugh, who goes to Parkfield Primary in Middleton suggested Freddie Falcon.

The girls each received a £20 voucher to spend at the town hall’s Clock Tower Restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the landmark building.

A number of local schools entered into the spirit of the competition, with Smithy Bridge pupils designing a fantastic model of the town hall, complete with a peregrine falcon nesting area.

Other winning names for the four young chicks, who are all thriving, came from James Walsh with Millennium Falcon and Alistair Whitehead who chose El Superfasto.

Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture, said: “The falcon chicks captivated nature lovers from across the globe, with bird followers from as far as America enjoying the spectacle via our live webcam.

“It was great to see ●●Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture, congratulates Smithy Bridge Primary School pupil Abbie Taylor and her classmate Holly Miller, winners of the name the Rochdale town hall falcon competition school children entering the naming competition; many congratulations to Sarah and Abbie on their inspired names.

“The competition was fun and engaging, so a and fitting huge thanks to everyone who took the time to suggest names for our feathered friends.”