wildlife television presenter David Bellamy will lead youngsters on a tour of environmental projects in the Stanley area today.

He is leading a guided walk at 12.40pm around the proposed nature reserve on the former opencast site of Chapman's Well, between Quaking Houses and Maiden Law.

It is part of a day of celebrations to mark the environmental reclamation projects, which will begin at 10am with a parade by pupils from Burnside School, through South Stanley Woods to Quaking Houses.

Benny Graham will perform some of his pitman's songs and there will be storytelling and traditional music from Tony Wilson.

There will also be the chance to try countryside crafts such as willow sculpture, wool spinning and wood turning, and the Fire Brigade will give a fire prevention display.