A SPORTS centre is supporting efforts to encourage otters into the heart of Stockton.

Staff at the Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre, which is on the banks of the River Tees, have been reporting increasing signs of otters during the past year.

The animals have been seen swimming around boats as well as visiting the complex.

The centre is working with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, which is hoping to encourage other landowners to create the ideal habitat for the otters.

If you wish to support the initiative, contact Jonathan Pounder at the trust on (01642) 759900.