A DISABLED birdwatcher has benefited from some seasonal goodwill.

John Hearfield, of Hunton, near Leyburn, wrote to Richmondshire District Council asking for help to replace his ageing birdtable.

Mr Hearfield, who has poor mobility after years of ill health and a liver and kidney transplant, will be confined to his home for much of the winter and says he finds comfort in feeding and watching the birds.

"I couldn't believe it when I received an e-mail saying the council had made me not one, but two birdtables, as well as a birdbox," said Mr Hearfield.

"I did have a moan about council tax in my correspondence with the council and I really expected nothing more than a polite refusal, if that.

"But they've come up trumps and I am delighted."

Ward councillor Richard Dunn said: "This is one of the more unusual queries we receive at the council, but I suppose that's why it caught the imagination.

"After consultation with our contract services unit, and considering it is, after all, the season of goodwill, we were more than happy to grant the request."