A RICHMOND churchyard has been voted one of the best in North Yorkshire for wildlife.

The churchyard at St Mary's parish church has been named in the Living Churchyard awards, organised by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Worshippers at the church were praised for their plan to manage the trees and create a hidden area of brambles and nettles to encourage butterflies.

Canon Richard Cooper, rector, said the 800-year-old churchyard was a haven for flora, small mammals, birds and insects.

He said help for the project had been received from the Council for the Protection of Rural England after parishioner Joan Plowman submitted a grant bid.