VOLUNTEERS had their trowels at the ready this week carrying out improvements to stretches of a Teesside beck.

Conservation teams took part in a wildflower and wetland-planting scheme at Spencer Beck, in Middlesbrough.

It is hoped the work at the beck, in the Brambles Farm area, will help promote the survival of the local population of water voles.

The work, on Thursday, was the first of a series of planned practical improvements to local becks being carried out as part of the Three Becks Project, a partnership of Tees Valley Wildlife, Wildflower Ark and Shape Training.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the project is asked to contact Kenny Crooks on (01642) 759900.