FIVE raven chicks have been hatched in captivity.

Ravens Ramsey and Remmington, who live at Tropical Wings wildlife centre, in South Woodham Ferrers, are the proud parents of the jet-black clutch.

Anna Noys, spokesman for Tropical Wings, said the hatching was good news, as the number of ravens in the wild in Britain has been in decline in recent years.

She said: "Raven chicks may not be the cutest things you'll ever see - resembling a hairy prawn at best - but their survival is important."