HARD working volunteers who improve the North York Moors National Park have won an award for their conservation efforts.

A group of volunteers with the North York Moors National Park Authority have won a Discovery Award from the John Muir Trust.

The ten man team is part of Hoots, a group which meets fortnightly to carry out repairs to an area for upland raptors on Fylingdales Moor.

The group undertook a wide range of work such as drystone walling, footpath repair, litter picking and installing bird boxes.

The awards are an environmental scheme to encourage awareness and responsibility for the natural environment in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.

They also went to Bill Ashton-Wickett, the authority’s assistant volunteers officer and John Cavana, the Hawk and Owl Trust’s wildlife ranger, who work with the volunteers.

Graham Stubbs, the park authority’s volunteers officer, said: "My congratulations go to all those who achieved their Discovery Award.

"We are tremendously proud of our volunteers whose hard work and dedication provides the authority with an additional 11,000 days work each year.

"Their efforts give an invaluable boost to our rights of way and conservation work and we hope to encourage more of them to achieve the John Muir Awards as a way of rewarding their contribution."

For details on becoming a volunteer in the national park contact Jo Leckenby on 01439-770657 or email volunteer@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk.