TEENAGERS are doing their bit for the community by creating a nature reserve.

The youngsters made sure the reserve will be open to all by building a viewing platform for disabled people, overlooking the secluded valley where the project is based.

The students from Northallerton College are working with the help of site owner William Osborne, a retired farmer and passionate environmentalist, and Hambleton District Council's bio-diversity programme.

The project, at Bank Top Farm just off the Northallerton to Borrowby Road, encourages all forms of natural life to flourish in harmony.

It includes habitats for birds, insects and newts, as well as trees, shrubs and a stream, where kingfishers have been seen.

The students, who are all members of the college's environmental action group, are also planning to dig out a pond at the site.

Environmental youth worker Emma Casson helped the students with the project.

She said: "Mr Osborne took early retirement and rented off a big chunk of his land, but he wanted to make the remainder into a nature reserve and invited us in to share in the task of making it happen.

"The valley is so peaceful and beautiful - a little bit of heaven."

Mr Osborne said: "The land comes into our keeping, and we should do our best to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

"I like to think these young people will learn to love it and pass it on to their children's children."