VOLUNTEERS have helped to create a wildlife habitat.

Nature-lovers and schoolchildren planted reedbeds and wildflowers in Gaunless Valley, between Ramshaw and West Auckland, on Saturday.

Volunteers worked during the afternoon as part of the Environment Agency's Accessing Wetlands and Beyond Project.

The project aims to improve the quality of life in Ramshaw and West Auckland through environmental improvements.

The site is near the Spring Mill Wildlife Dam, which was built as protection after devastating damage caused by floods in 2000.

Alastair Laverty, from the Environment Agency, said that about 12 hectares of habitat had been created for wildlife such as butterflies, moorhens, otters and frogs.