Hello Chris
Obviously I respect your knowledge and experience. The fact iam not submitting a formal report reflects my own incredulity at what I believe I saw.
Going upto Newcastle the previous day and on the return journey I had witnessed half a dozen Kestrels . Initially I believed that was what I was looking at. Then I noticed the red underside and the upper parts were darker and the birds ' jizz' was more Merlin than Kestrel. I believe it was a Hobby to the extent iam asking myself was it an escape/ owned by a local enthusiast. But as there have been no other reports I accept I was mistaken. Once again I do very much appreciate you're feedback. Thanks Andrew