A campaign to help the North-East's endangered red squirrels has been given a cash boost.

The quarrying firm Hanson's environment fund has given £2,000 to Northumberland Wildlife Trust's Red Alert scheme.

The money will be used to plant trees and put up feeders at the Throckley Pond Nature Reserve, five miles north of Newcastle, where the native reds are coming under threat from their grey cousins.

Alec Coles, chief executive of the trust, said: "Increased protection of the red squirrel is particularly important as Throckley Pond Nature Reserve lies close to the 'interface zone' where alien grey squirrels are entering the reds' territory.

"Red squirrels need all the help they can get in their fight for food and shelter. It is also one of the few places so near to the city that people can come and see red squirrels in the wild."

John Austin, unit manager at Hanson's Swinburne Quarry, said: "We are delighted to support Red Alert North-East.

Gillian Brown, ranger for the nature reserve, said: "By planting more trees and providing food, we hope the red squirrels will face a better chance of survival through the harsh winter months."

Youngsters from the Tyne Riverside Nature Club and Northumberland Wildlife Watch Group will be planting trees and installing feeders today