CHILDREN are being encouraged to take an interest in the environment around them by joining a newly-launched group.

Middlesbrough Council is looking to recruit youngsters from eight to 12 for its Stewart Park Young Rangers Club.

Meeting the first Saturday of every month, children will be involved in a range of environmental projects centred, on the Middlesbrough park.

Beginning this Saturday, children will be shown how to build a variety of nesting and hibernation boxes for wildlife, a project supported by the Environment Agency.

The agency has provided the building materials as part of the Action Earth programme, to encourage people to get involved in practical conservation projects.

For more information, ring (01642) 300202.