LAND saved from a housing development by a colony of great crested newts could soon become a nature reserve recognised by English Nature.

Rossett Acre Reserve, in Harrogate, is already a well-used nature reserve studied by local children.

Now efforts are being made to secure it long-term by having it recognised by English Nature.

The land was set aside for a housing development 30 years ago, until environmentalists discovered the great crested newts on the site.

Proposals are about to be submitted to English Nature to seek permission under a 1949 Act of Parliament for the protective seal of approval.

Councillor Jim Clark, who represents Rossett on Harrogate Borough Council, has made a £700 donation to the campaign from his personal council budget.

He said: "Rossett Nature Reserve provides a green buffer and appears to meet all the criteria necessary for its official designation as an officially recognised nature reserve.

"Having been saved for the community, it is important that it is used by them for informal recreation and the study, particularly by local children, of wildlife that abounds there."