A PAIR of ravens and their chicks have been spotted nesting 200ft up the Transco gas holder in Jackson Street. According to North West birdwatchers, ravens are rarely found nesting in towns, having been driven out of built-up areas as scavengers many years ago.

Nowadays, they are more likely to be seen nesting on rocky crags in the Lakes, around Snowdonia or in Scotland than on a 280ft gas holder.

In recent times, the birds have begun returning to more urban areas. They are becoming more common in the North West and have been spotted at Chester Cathedral and the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool.

Far from being seen as the evil scavengers they were in the past, ravens are now believed to bring good luck. Legend has it that they nest on the top of the Tower of London, and should they ever leave, it will signal the end of the monarchy!

Phil O'Sullivan, Transco's network operations manager said: "We have a pair of peregrine falcons already using the holder roof as a place to tear up and eat their prey.

"It is nice to see these rare birds returning to such a built-up area and using our holder as a safe place to nest and feed. Let's hope they bring their good luck to the people of St Helens".

The Transco gas holder stores supplies of gas for use at peak periods. The company is planning to brighten it up with a lick of paint, but has suspended work until the young birds have flown off in the next few weeks.