STORMY weather proved perilous for one of Salisbury Cathedral's resident peregrine falcons.

Raphael, the cathedral's male peregrine chick, had to be rescued when he toppled off the tower during bad weather.

It is believed that he may have been attempting a test flight.

He was found on the north side of the cathedral, unable to take off again due to his inexperience and the high winds.

This marked the latest phase of a turbulent summer for the cathedral's peregrine population, after two chicks were lost due to the weather.

Anya Wicikowski, RSPB community engagement officer, said: "A chick on the ground can be in danger from predation, so it is important they are returned to the nest as soon as possible.

"Lucky for Raphael, he was rescued by Creatures in Crisis - a local wildlife rescue group.

"He spent the night and was taken back up the tower in the morning to rejoin his sister."

Both chicks have now fledged and can be seen flying around the cathedral tower.

Ms Wicikowski added: "The chicks will stay around the cathedral for another few weeks before they make their way into the big wide world.

"If members of the public wish to see the peregrines, the RSPB will be outside the cathedral with a telescope trained on them between 11am and 4pm every weekday for the next few weeks."