SWARMS of twitchers thought all their Christmases had come at once when a rare robin was spotted on a bowling green.

The robin, which is more at home in Turkey, became trapped in a mist net used to identify birds in the area. Experts said the sighting was the first of a white throated robin in the UK for 11 years.

Bird-watchers set up telescopic lenses in the Headland area of Hartlepool, hoping to be the first to spy the white-throated robin.

The white-throated robin is one of those uncommon migratory birds that visit the UAE during spring. Its generic name, Irania, comes from the country called Iran.

To confirm its identity, the team played a recorded call of the White-throated Rock Thrush. The bird responded subtly by flying slightly closer, although it remained perched high above.

The robin, which is more at home in Turkey, became trapped in a mist net used to identify birds in the area. Experts said the sighting was the first of a white throated robin in the UK for 11 years.

To confirm its identity, the team played a recorded call of the White-throated Rock Thrush. The bird responded subtly by flying slightly closer, although it remained perched high above.