WATER voles, amphibians and kingfishers are all set to benefit from Tesco’s 5p carrier bag charge.

The Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and the Friends of Drinkfield Marsh have bagged the maximum grant award of £12,000 from a Tesco funding scheme for their project to restore wetland habitats at the Darlington reserve.

The work will restore a beck that has become overgrown with reeds, replace two old weirs and bring back to life two small ponds by removing silt.

A new wildlife viewing platform will also be built.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the second round of its Bags of Help funding initiative, which sees grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local outdoor community projects. Millions of shoppers voted in stores up and down the country.

Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Darlington Borough Council will also be invested into the Drinkfield initiative.

Roger Crowther, chairman of the Friends of Drinkfield volunteer group said: “We are chuffed to bits by the outcome.

“Thanks go to all the people who took the trouble to visit Tesco and voted.

“This is a magnificent example of the community coming together to make a difference and we have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support shown for the project.”

Dr Sue Antrobus of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust added: “Winning of the competition reflects how much local people enjoy visiting this tranquil urban green oasis in Darlington.”