A GUIDE has been published with a host of ideas for enjoying the countryside in and around Teesside.

The latest Wild About Hartlepool countryside events programme leaflet covers the winter to spring period.

The leaflet, which is produced by Hartlepool Borough Council's countryside wardens, is free and can be obtained from a range of outlets across the town, including the Civic Centre reception, Summerhill Visitor Centre, the tourist information centre in Church Square and libraries.

Events featured in the guide include a walk at Summerhill, on Friday, October 28, in search of the small mammals inhabiting the site; seal watches at British Energy's Tees-mouth hide on November 19, January 21 and March 4; a traffic-free 14-mile bike ride from the Hart to Haswell Walkway, on January 15; and a five-mile walk from Headland to Hart Station on February 19.

There is also information about the Local Nature Reserves around the town.

The guide explains how people can get involved in supporting the work of the council's countryside wardens on a voluntary basis, and provides a list of useful telephone numbers.

There are also details of how to become a member of the various friends groups that have been set up across the town to look after and improve parks and open spaces.