DISUSED reservoirs are being transformed into a thriving nature park at Middleton St George with the help of a £2,500 grant.

The money from County Durham environmental trust is for more improvements to the village water park centred on three redundant reservoirs. These are much-enjoyed by anglers and members of Darlington and district model boat club.

The park is the haunt of woodland birds, bees, dragonflies, water voles, mice, squirrels and the odd hedgehog.

Durham wildlife trust is using the money for planting and to resurface footpaths to make public access easier.

A group of ten volunteers has already planted a range of trees and shrubs from mountain ash and oak to prickly pear, flower cherry and gelder rose. They hope new nesting boxes in the trees will attract even more birds, and there are plans to install a seating area with information boards for visitors and school groups.

Mr John Wearmouth, chairman of the environmental trust, said: "This is a great project which is encouraging even more wildlife at the water park and attracting people to enjoy it."

The trust is giving a similar sum to the parish council to restore steps and footpaths beside the river at Middleton One Row, and is keen that more groups in the Darlington area should apply. Community grants range from £500-£2,500.

Over the past four years, it has allocated £4m, received from landfill tax credit donations.