NATURE conservationists have been awarded a £5,000 grant to continue their work.

Durham Wildlife Trust was awarded the funding through the Yorkshire Bank Spirit of the Community Awards to recognise the important role it plays in the local community.

Donations to voluntary groups were announced at an awards ceremony in Leeds to recognise the charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Twelve community groups across England were selected to share funding of £75,000, including Durham Wildlife Trust, which aims to protect wildlife and natural features and promote nature conservation.

Douglas Campbell, Director of Yorkshire and Clydesdale Bank Foundation, said: “Yorkshire Bank’s Spirit of the Community Awards recognise and support the important role that voluntary and charitable organisations play in their local communities.

“It has been inspiring to see the great work that is being done at grass roots level across the country.

“Durham Wildlife Trust is an extremely deserving winner and has been recognised for its community spirit with this award from Yorkshire Bank.”

Becky Stanley, WildGround Project Officer at Durham Wildlife Trust, said: “Durham Wildlife Trust is delighted to receive this Spirit of the Community Award.

“This award will enable us to further improve the WildGround training programme with the delivery of specialised, one-to-one support and training in employability skills to each of the six trainees on this year's programme.

“This award will provide our 2015 team with the best chance of entering employment in the field of their choice.”