OTTERS are being encouraged to breed in a quiet section of one of the region's rivers.

English Nature has unveiled new otter holts constructed on the River Wear in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

It is hoped the scheme, part of the Mineral Valleys Project, will help the otters re-colonise the waterway.

It came as the Riverside area of the town was officially launched as a Local Nature Reserve.

Tony Devos, of English Nature, said: "This is a secluded section of bank, which is good because otters are private animals and there are some quiet areas for them.

"It is a very big day for nature lovers in Chester-le-Street and this is a lovely area. The kids who visited seemed to have a great time doing their bit for wildlife."

Children from local schools joined in the launch along with a small group of adults with learning difficulties from Empower and their carers.

They participated in activities such as bird box building, the planting of black poplars and seed sowing to create a wildflower meadow.

Chester-le-Street District Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson launched the Riverside's new status.

She said: "I am delighted with the Riverside designation, as it is part of the district council's priorities to manage public space to improve the quality of life for local people.

"This means that Chester-le-Street's Riverside area will be protected, not only for this generation, but for many to come."