ONE of the most protected species in the British countryside may be making a comeback in part of County Durham.
The endangered great crested newt was thought to have disappeared from Chester-le-Street.
But the town's Federation of Environment Groups said the species was still at its pond and wetland creation project, near Waldridge Fell.
The pond area is also a haven for frogs, toads, dragonflies to birds.
Chester-le-Street District Council's deputy leader and environment portfolio holder, Councillor Simon Henig, said: "I am delighted that we have rediscovered great crested newts, especially since they are in decline within Europe and the UK.
"Without the partnership of local environmental groups working together, the great crested newt may have been overlooked in the district."
The pond project was a partnership and the federation would like to thank Durham Biodiversity Partnership, Chester-le-Street District Council, Durham County Council, English Nature and the Mineral Valleys Project for their help.
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