A group which observes birds of prey in a north Norfolk town has donated £2,000 to the church where they nest each year. 

The Cromer Peregrine Project has been monitoring peregrine falcons at the top of Cromer Parish Church's tower ever since they began nesting there in 2019. 

The peregrines attract thousands of visitors to the town each year, with the group running a watchpoint outside Cromer Museum, which is set to open again from Good Friday. 

READ MORE: Watch the moment first peregrine falcon egg is laid at the top of church tower

Now, through generous donations, merchandise sales, and local sponsors, the project has presented a cheque worth £2,000 to the church, which has to close its tower because of the breeding peregrines. 

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Peregrine Project chairman Eddie Anderson presents a cheque worth £2,000 from the group to Cromer's Parish ChurchCromer Peregrine Project chairman Eddie Anderson presents a cheque worth £2,000 from the group to Cromer's Parish Church (Image: Cromer Peregrine Project)

"Every year when the peregrines breed, we run a watchpoint outside of the museum which local optical company Viking loan us binoculars and scopes for the public to view the peregrines," Chris Skipper,  a Cromer Peregrine Project committee member, said.

"We also sell peregrine merchandise on the watchpoint and in the local shop Upstairs Downstairs, as well as streaming the peregrines on YouTube, which is kindly sponsored by the Cliftonville Hotel.

"Money raised is donated to the church as they have had to close the tower because of the breeding peregrines. 

"With the sale of merchandise, people donating on the watchpoint and online via our PayPal link, we have managed to raise enough to donate £2000 to the church."

READ MORE: The 'breathtaking' birds of prey bringing an entire community together

The first egg of the season was laid on Sunday, March 17. 

Eastern Daily Press: The first peregrine egg of the season The first peregrine egg of the season (Image: Cromer Peregrine Project)

The eggs are usually laid around 60 hours apart, and the group believes a second egg has now been laid, but is experiencing issues with its cameras at the site.  

Mr Skipper said hatching should take place around April 25.

Last year, two female chicks hatched, with more than 13,000 people visiting the watchpoint.