THE finishing touches have been made to a new pond that is a haven for a wildlife such as frogs and toads.

A pond was originally created by residents of Fulwell, Sunderland, 12 years ago on a site that is now next to the new Metro line being built.

But a year ago it was under threat from vandals who repeatedly attacked it, driving away the wildlife.

Tyne and Wear transport executive Nexus came to the rescue and helped with the recreation of the pond, which was twice punctured.

A new pond was built by Sunderland's Millennium Volunteers and the Durham Wildlife Trust and filled with water by firefighters in August.

Nexus spokesman Bob Patterson said: "The area is a complete transformation and a tribute to whose who have spent so much time and effort on it. I was amazed when frogs started returning to the area as we were filling the pond with water for the first time.''

Mr Patterson added that Nexus was determined to help secure the pond's future