IT'S been the sport of kings for hundreds of years but now a Hampshire company look set to bring it to the masses.

Falconry classes will be offered from next month in the regal surrounds of Avington Park near Winchester, more than 4,000 years after the sport was founded in the Middle East.

Organisers say the aim of the classes is to give people thinking about taking on a bird of prey a complete introduction to what it takes, how to train them and more importantly how to care for them.

But it is also intended to show people the beauty, elegance and grace of these majestic birds of prey, and how it is possible to train them.

The initial course is for three days and as well as theory, also includes a significant amount of hands-on experience with birds including Harris hawks.

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