WORK to improve a wildlife haven on part of an old steelworks has been launched with the completion of specially designed gates for the site.

Children from the Grove Primary School, in Consett, County Durham, who helped blacksmith and artist Graeme Hopper to create the gates, yesterday celebrated completion of the work at the town's Grove Ponds project.

Over the past few months there has been a range of works undertaken at Grove Ponds, a site created on part of the old steelworks, in Consett.

Grants from the Sita Environmental Trust and New Opportunities Fund have enabled management of the site for wildlife and the installation of features such as a dipping platform and artistic steel gateways to enhance recreational use by the public.

Groundwork West Durham conservation officer Sam Talbot said: "We have been working with volunteers and school children in the community to help greater understanding and appreciation of the site.

"These works are the first achievements in a new two-year programme of environmental works."

The land is owned by The Genesis Trust and managed by Groundwork West Durham following its merger with Acorn Trust earlier this year.

During the summer, 155 children visited the site to study wildlife. Acorn Woodlands' specialists environmental workers have created a tailor-made dipping platform.

In addition, by working alongside volunteers, they have managed the large meadow to promote wildflower growth and encourage the wide variety of butterflies that can be seen in the area each summer.