WILDLIFE in the North-East has been given a £20,000 boost after an appeal reached its target in record time.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust's 30th Birthday Appeal was launched last November with the aim of involving more people in wildlife conservation.

It was helped to its target by an unexpected £12,000 bequest in the will of Irene Forbes, of Whickham, Gateshead.

Trust chief executive Alec Coles said: "We now have a pot of money which can be used to fund school wildlife visits and adapt hides on some of our nature reserves for wheelchairs.

"We can also buy red squirrel feeders, provide boardwalk access to our sites and help our campaign to discourage the illegal poisoning of wildlife."

The organisation is spearheading the re-colonisation of otters and has highlighted the plight of the red squirrel.

People can contribute to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust Appeal by contacting 0191-284 6884