THE biggest survey of the region's bird population is to take place later this month.

The RSPB is asking for the public to help in the Big Garden Birdwatch, scheduled to take place over the weekend of January 29 and 30.

The organisation hopes to recruit half a million armchair birdwatchers around the country to take part. By counting the number of birds that visit their garden or backyard in the hour-long survey period, local people will be contributing to a better understanding of the state of northern England's wild bird populations.

David Hirst, of the RSPB North of England region, said: "This is an important annual survey of our most popular and familiar birds, and we are appealing to local people to spare just one hour sometime during Big Garden Birdwatch weekend to take part.

"You don't need to be an expert to get involved and it's an entertaining and easy survey to do.

"The results will provide us with valuable information and give a snapshot of winter bird populations."

He added: "In some areas of the UK, populations of house sparrows and starlings have been in free-fall in recent years and they are now rare visitors to gardens.

For further information and forms, contact 08701 222 791 (calls charged at national rate).