A BIRD club needs a sponsor if its plans for an observatory are to take off.

The Teesmouth Bird Club used a lookout tower on Hartlepool's Headland for 45 years, until it was evicted by Hartlepool Borough Council, so the building could be turned into a tourist attraction.

The club's recorded sightings from its high viewpoint led to it being identified as one of the best sites in Britain for seabird watching.

But having to leave the tower has left the watchers out in the cold - with no protection from the elements.

PD Teesport has agreed to let the club build an observatory in the compound of the Heugh lighthouse, just yards from its former lookout, subject to outline design proposals being approved.

A feasibility study must be carried out before the project can be prepared and undertaken.

The club is applying to various sources for funding, but has been disappointed to have its application for help rejected by the Northern Rock Foundation.

Club chairman Ted Parker said: "At the moment, we have a site, but we don't how much the scheme will cost or the cost of developing the site. This feasibility study is much needed.

"We have observatories to the north, at Whitburn, and the south, at Spurn Head. It is absolutely crucial we get this observatory - it is vitally important for the club.

"Without a feasibility study we can't progress. We are still trying to get sponsorship. We are trying a number of avenues.''

Architects have been appointed, but the club needs about £8,000 for a feasibility report.

Mr Parker said: "For that we will get a preliminary design and an estimated cost of construction, maintenance costs and fees. The club has to submit an access statement to Hartlepool council and a site investigation.

"Once we have a global figure we can go out for real sponsorship to implement the scheme. Anybody who can help with sponsorship, no matter how modest, will get recognition in club publications.''

Sea bird sightings recorded by the club at Hartlepool provided crucial evidence when plans to set up an offshore wind farm were discussed