A PROJECT to restore the banks of the River Wear between Stanhope and Frosterley has been given an £8,000 grant.

The aim of the project, being undertaken by the Weardale Environmental Trust, is to turn more than three acres of land into a nature reserve.

The money is being provided by Lafarge Cement UK, which is currently demolishing its cement works at nearby Eastgate. Lafarge said it was continuing to work on options for the future of the site.

David Simms, the firm's land and planning director, said: "We are very pleased to be involved in this project, which will help open up another interesting area of countryside for local people."

"Our involvement shows how we remain an active member of the Weardale community today, continuing the links established since we first started operations in the dale over 40 years ago."

The restoration of the river banks has been approved by the Environment Agency, while help has also come from civil engineers Jeremy Benn Associates.

Peter Stephenson, secretary of the Weardale Environmental Trust, said: "We are delighted with the support Lafarge has given to this project. The funds enabled us to seek expert advice on how to rebuild the riverbanks and make the site much safer and easier to explore."

The site is home to many wildlife species, including otters and red squirrels.

It is a popular visiting place for an osprey, which comes each autumn and can be seen picking trout out of the river.

The restoration work will not only make the site more accessible, but will also help stabilise the habitat for these animals, and protect the area from flooding.