VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help protect an important part of the region's coastline.

The Heritage Coast Project runs along the North Yorkshire and east Cleveland Heritage Coast and works with landowners, farmers and local communities to manage unspoiled areas of high cliffs, steep wooded valleys and dramatic headlands.

It organises conservation projects and volunteers have already played a key role in the scheme by learning skills such as dry stone walling, hedge planting, hedge coppicing, pond management and fencing.

Volunteers meet at the St Hilda's Business Centre car park, Whitby, on Wednesdays at 9.30am and return at about 4pm.

No experience is necessary as basic skills are taught on site, but people will need sturdy boots, preferably with steel toe caps, waterproofs and a packed lunch.

Anyone wanting further information should call Liz Kelly on (01947) 603060 or 07779 209523.