A PROJECT is being launched in Chester-le-Street to encourage otters to settle on the River Wear.

Two otter holts are to be built on the banks of the river at the Riverside Park to provide a resting and breeding area, following reported sightings of the shy creatures.

At the end of last year, Durham Wildlife Trust said otters had been spotted for the first time in three decades in towns and cities in the North-East, including Newcastle and Durham, and elsewhere in Britain.

The sightings have been attributed to improved water quality, which has brought more fish and an expanding rural otter population seeking fresh breeding grounds.

Otters have also been spotted in the Chester-le-Street area and it is hoped the two temporary holts will encourage otters to settle permanently in the area.

Park warden Julie Lewcock said: "A long time ago there were otters in this area and now it's a case of getting the wildlife to come back.

"We're going to build a temporary holt of logs and twigs and hopefully nearer the end of the year we will get funding for a more permanent structure."

Ms Lewcock is working with other conservationists within the council to set up a voluntary group to become involved with projects within the park.

The group will meet on the first Thursday of every month at the Riverside at 7pm.

For details contact Ms Lewcock on (0191) 3890986.