MORE tantalising evidence has emerged to suggest that an animal once thought extinct in England is living in the region.

Some naturalists argue that pine martens have died out in the country, but the latest figures released by naturalists confirm their continued existence.

The Vincent Wildlife Trust, which monitors sightings, says that over the past year there have been 13 reliable reports of pine martens in North Yorkshire and four in Northumberland.

Trust officials also believe that pine martens exist in County Durham.

The North York Moors produced the most sightings - nine - following publicity about the animal in October.

Credible sightings in woodland near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, led to raised hopes for the future of the animal in the area among organisations including the Forestry Commission and the National Park Authority.

Dr Jonny Birks, of the Vincent Wildlife Trust, said: "We continue to receive snippets of evidence about pine martens. They are definitely there. However, it may be that they are struggling."

He said factors which might be reducing their numbers included death from snares and poison put down for other creatures, as well as a lack of suitable woodland - pine martens are great tree climbers.

Dr Birks said the trust believed there were martens in rural Northumberland, the North York Moors and high in the Durham dales, including Baldersdale, in Teesdale, and near the Derwent Valley, on the Durham/Northumberland border.

Dr Birks said: "We believe the sightings we are hearing about are the tip of the iceberg and that a lot of people who see them do not know that the Vincent Wildlife Trust exists or that we are interested in pine martens."

If you think you have seen a pine marten, you can contact Dr Birks on (01531) 636441.