BIRDLIFE is being given a helping hand throughout the cold winter months as North Yorkshire Police help launch the RSPB's new bird-feeding scheme.

Officers and staff at the police headquarters, at Newby Wiske Hall, near Northallerton, have been taking advice on how to care for birds from RSPB specialist David Hirst.

The six probationer constables and members of the headquarters' Wildlife Group also spent time cleaning bird tables and replenishing feeding stations within the grounds ready for the birds to use.

More people will be encouraged to do the same in their back gardens today as the charity launches its Feed the Birds Day.

The RSPB is asking as many individuals as possible to get involved with the initiative by putting food out to help wild birds survive winter.

Celebrity chefs Rick Stein and Antony Worrall Thompson have shown their support by creating simple recipes for bird food, including suet and nut log and crumble pastry maggots.

For those less adventurous in the kitchen, the RSPB is giving advice on what scraps can be left out, including crumbled bread, leftover pastry, grated cheese and rotten fruit.

Mr Hirst praised North Yorkshire Police for supporting the scheme. He said: "They are not only helping their local birds survive the winter, but will also be able to enjoy the antics of the birds as they flock to the feeders and feast on the seed."

For more information about Feed the Birds Day and to get a fact pack, log on to the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/ feedthebirds