A £52,000 grant should help further secure the future of a wildlife reserve on military land.

Foxglove Covert, at Catterick Garrison, was recognised as the first nature reserve on operational Ministry of Defence property, in April 2001.

A field study centre was opened 18 months later to help visitors learn more about the wealth of flora and fauna which thrives on the site, including several endangered species.

English Nature has now confirmed it will invest in the appointment of a "wildlife champion" under its Wildspace! initiative.

The grant will pay for a community liaison officer, who will work with schools, local groups and the public over the next three years.

English Nature's conservation officer, Colin Newlands, said: "The new post is a great boost for wildlife conservation.

"The community liaison officer will be encouraging local people to enjoy wildlife right on their doorsteps, which is what the Wildspace! grant scheme is all about.

"If they can help in the creation of more local nature reserves, the benefits will be even greater."

Tony Crease, spokesman for the Foxglove Covert management group, said: "This award is testimony to the dedication and commitment of all those in the MoD and the local community who have worked so hard to establish and develop the reserve, and the very considerable benefits it has to offer."