RSPB Saltholme is offering free entry to National Lottery players for a limited time to show appreciation for the funds it has received.

The reserve has received more than £500,000 Lottery cash which has contributed towards a five-year Lifelong Learning project which gives gives visitors the chance to learn about the local wildlife.

The project won first prize by public vote, in the education category of the National Lottery Awards 2012.

As a show of appreciation, Lottery players who visit Saltholme between November 23 to December 1 with a Lottery ticket - old or new - will be admitted for free.

Aimée Lee, of RSPB Saltholme said: “Funding from The National Lottery has enabled us to engage with so many people of all ages, enthusing and exciting them about the fantastic wildlife that calls the Tees Valley home.

"That’s why we are offering free entry to people who visit with National Lottery ticket - it’s a way of saying thank you to the people have helped fund us.”