VOLUNTEERS are needed next weekend to take part in a survey of the birds that can be found at a historic cemetery.

Durham Wildlife Trust is joining the Friends of Houghton Hillside Cemetery to survey the numbers of birds in the cemetery, in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside.

The survey will take place from 10am until noon, next Saturday.

Trust wildlife officer Ben Stephenson will meet volunteers at the lych gate entrance to the cemetery, and will hand out survey sheets and offer guidance.

Results of the survey will be published on the website, www.houghton-hillside-cemetery.org.uk

For further details, call Mr Stephenson at the wildlife trust on 0191-584-3112.

The friends group was formed in December 2003 to further the historical, cultural, recreational and ecological aspects of the churchyard.