They may have raised three youngsters together but now it seems Lincoln Cathedral's resident peregrine falcons have had a fall-out.

The birds of prey have been perched at opposite ends of the cathedral amid rumours of a trial separation.

But the pair – who began their relationship in 2006 after the male had been living there for four years – are thought to be over the worst and have started to make amends.

Steve Lovell, community talks officer for the RSPB who oversees the cathedral peregrine project, is confident that the falcons will be fully reconciled for the next breeding season.

"I have seen them closer together again recently," he said.

"On Saturday they were sat within 10 feet of one another so I think we can say it was just a lovers' tiff.

"They pair for life so there is no danger of them falling out permanently."

The peregrines raised three chicks in May – called Venus, Serena and Rafael – and the youngsters took to the air around the cathedral in mid-June.

And after the youngsters were named, members of the public wanted to christen the parents.

Mr Lovell said: "Someone suggested Norman and Frenchie because the cathedral is Norman and obviously the Normans were French. So that's what I say they're called if I'm really pressed."

Lincolnshire Echo wildlife expert Roger Goy says the birds can continue to be aggressive for a while after they have forced their young out of the area.

"It can linger for a while," he said. "When the young grow older they see them off and that tendency can continue for a while.

"They will stay in the same general area though and will come together properly in the breeding season."

To find out more about the birds see Monday's Lincolnshire Echo.