BEAUTY spots in Hartlepool are to be promoted and protected by Joe Davies the borough's newly-appointed Wildspace officer.

Working as part of Hartlepool Borough Council's team of countryside wardens, Mr Davies is helping manage the town's four existing Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) at Greatham Beck, the Hart to Haswell Walkway, Seaton Dunes and Common and Hart Warren Dunes.

He is also aiming to declare new LNRs, one of which is likely to be Summerhill - a 100 acre countryside site on the western edge of town being developed by the council for sports, recreation and conservation.

Other day-to-day aspects of his job include organising various activities to enable people to experience Hartlepool's outdoor areas, and working with volunteers to carry out countryside management and maintenance work.

Mr Davies said: "It's all about community participation. I want to get people into our countryside and coastal areas so that they are able to appreciate just what is on their doorstep."

He is keen to encourage the formation of Friends groups, particularly where beauty spots border residential areas such as Hart Station, next to the Hart to Haswell Walkway.

He said: "I want local people to be my eyes and ears and help me protect these beauty spots from the damage and misuse that does occur from time to time."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, forming a Friends group, or discovering more about Hartlepool's LNRs can contact (01429) 853325.