THE region's rarest butterfly is receiving a helping hand from farmers and conservationists.

The small pearl-bordered fritillary is in serious decline, but a new Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) agreement with Defra has allowed two of County Durham's four remaining sites to be joined.

The joining of the sites, at Satley, near Tow Law, will help to protect the butterfly's habitat.

The agreement has forged a partnership between farmers David Scott and Russell Bell, Butterfly Conservation, Durham Wildlife Trust, Durham County Voluntary Ranger Service and Defra.

David Liddle, of the ranger service, said: "Violets, which the butterflies rely on for feeding and breeding, have been given the chance to flourish as a result of controlled grazing.

"Tree planting has been carried out to act as wind breaks on the northern site of the site.

"As a result, the small pearl-bordered fritillary has moved from one of its traditional breeding grounds to this new, fenced-off site covered by the agreement.

"It is a positive sign that things are improving and we will continue to work together on this agreement, which could be the last chance we have to give the butterfly the chance to consolidate and extend its habitat."