STAFF from the Inland Revenue have been getting their hands dirty while helping with wildlife work near Billingham.

The 12 workers from the Tax Credit team, based at Thornaby, were lending a hand to the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust as they build a viewing area overlooking Billingham Beck. It is part of the employee volunteering programme.

The viewing platform is part of the development of the former Portrack Incinerator as a nature reserve - a project which has been taking place over the past 18 months.

The viewing area will allow visitors to watch the common seals that haul themselves out on the mudflats near the beck mouth by Newport Bridge.

Jonathan Pounder, the Tees corridor project officer, said: "Most people are surprised to see seals this far upstream and it's a wonderful opportunity to see this shy animal.

"Seals have been returning to the Tees over the past 15 years as the river has become cleaner, but this group of up to five individuals started using this quiet backwater about 12 months ago.

"Volunteers and the work they do plays a vital role in the trust's work and helps to get the message across that wildlife really can be on your doorstep. It is a positive step when local businesses and employees become involved in a project like this and gives a sense of local ownership."