A CONSERVATION charity has said goodbye to a much-loved bird who died last month.

The Secretary Bird named Dr No, described as an "absolute star" by Hawk Conservancy Trust staff, died from complications of an infection.

The feathered friend joined the trust from the Netherlands at 10-months-old and was named after the James Bond villain to match with a young Secretary Bird called Moneypenny.

While Dr No was initially hoped to breed with his counterpart, the tallest bird of prey was instead trained to be part of flying demonstrations.

Senior member of the trust's bird team Mike Riley said: "Dr No was a huge member of our team and will be a huge loss for us.

"He was a brilliant all-round bird that could take part in displays as well as photography days and courses.

"He was a fantastic bird to work with and he’s left big boots to fill.”

The bird, who died just before five-years-old, was also remembered by staff as "striking and elegant to watch in action."

Visitors will still be in with a chance to see Secretary Bird Madeleine in Dr No's stead, with keepers' talks each day of the summer timetable.