CHILDREN searching for a rare butterfly failed to find it - but they still had plenty of fun.
Pupils from Archibald Primary School, in Middlesbrough, and Oak Tree Primary School, in Stockton, went looking for the elusive Grayling butterfly at Maze Park nature reserve, at Tees Barrage, yesterday.
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust has been working to improve the habitat for the unusual creature at the reserve after it was spotted there last year for the first time in 20 years.
More than 70 youngsters, aged seven to nine, tried to find it, but had to make do with more common species of butterflies, as well as beetles and spiders.
Trust education officer Steve Ashton said: "Unfortunately, we didn't spot the Grayling but the children had a wonderful time anyway. They looked for various types of mini beasts and managed to catch a lot.
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