FOR three years wheelchair-bound Jacqueline Smith has been a volunteer at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Washington.

But there are parts of the park she has never seen because she could not get to them in her wheelchair.

All that changed when 2,000 metres of pathway were created to allow people such as Jacqueline access to all areas - including feeding stations that attract more unusual species of birds.

The path has been created with £52,000 from the County Durham Environmental Trust, which channels Landfill Tax money into environmental projects, and £5,000 from Tarmac.

Jacqueline, 34, of Pelaw, Gateshead, works two days a week preparing information for school groups and holding craft sessions for youngsters.

She said: "Volunteering for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is the best thing I ever did.

"I am really interested in birds and like working with children, and this allows me to combine both.

"I hope that now I can help with the bird spotting projects in the hides at Hawthorn Wood."

Martin Riley, general manager of Tarmac National Contracting, said the firm was committed to helping the local environment.