WORK at a pond in Billingham has been awarded a trophy for the best conservation project in a regional competition.

A group of local people, who helped Charlton's Pond scoop the Year 2000 Northumbria in Bloom IPRA President's Trophy for Best Conservation Project, were presented with their award by the mayor of Stockton, councillor Pete Andrew.

The Charlton's Pond Management Group, which includes councillors from Billingham and representatives from fishing clubs and wildlife associations, has worked on the project over a couple of years, making the area a hive of activity.

Martin Jenkins, Stockton Borough Council's parks and countryside officer, said: "Over the past few years the group has worked really hard on the project, designed to encourage more wildlife to inhabit the reserve. Trees have been planted, there has been woodland management work and new habitats have been introduced for breeding birds.

"As well as being a haven for wildlife the site is really attractive.