A prime site with uninterrupted sea views is currently available for two high-fliers who need more space for their family.

A box 77ft up the new tower of Shoreham Power Station is ready, with vacant possession, for a pair of peregrine falcons.

Workers at Sussex's newest power station and bird protection groups are hoping a breeding pair of falcons will chose the newly-installed nest box.

The stainless steel box, which can just be seen from ground level, has an opening which looks out to the sea and is lined with pea gravel.

The Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) has already set up a box on the top of Sussex Heights in Brighton.

A pair of peregrine falcons have nested there for the last three years, producing a total of eight chicks, and the SOS decided to try and set up another site for the next generation of falcons.

Graham Roberts, a West Sussex county ecologist and member of the SOS, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity which will back up the SOS's success at Sussex Heights.

"These are among the world's most thrilling birds and it is important to encourage them to breed in this area."

Richard Hatton, site manager for South Coast Power, said he was hopeful the birds would be moving in soon.

He said: "We are expecting to see a breeding pair in the box next year. It went up a bit late for this year's season.

"Peregrine falcons look for a nesting site with height and a view of the surrounding area and I think the power station stack provides the ideal site.

"There shouldn't be any noise from the station so they won't be disturbed."

The site, which currently employs 250 construction workers, is billowing steam as the pipes which lead to the steam turbines are being cleaned.

This led to a 999 call to West Sussex Fire Brigade saying someone thought the power station was on fire, despite a letter to residents warning them of the works, expected to last until the end of the month.

The 400-megawatt station is expected to be fully functional by the end of the year.