A PARK held a family fun day to mark its designation as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

The 100-acre Summerhill site, in Hartlepool, which is being developed by the borough council for a range of sports, outdoor pursuits and conservation, has been created on eight fields used for animal grazing and arable farming.

Yesterday, visitors enjoyed birds of prey demonstrations, guided walks, craft stalls, displays by a living history group, as well fire and police brigade displays.

Hartlepool United football club stars Gavin Strachan and Eiffion Williams made guest appearances to sign autographs.

Joe Davies, the council's local nature reserves officer, said: "The LNR status acknowledges Summerhill as an important site, both for recreation and conservation. We want people to come and see what the site has to offer."

Since work began on the site in 1997 more than 90,000 trees and hedges have been planted, new wetland areas created and wildflower meadows developed as part of an on-going effort to produce new habitats and encourage wildlife.

The designation means the site becomes Hartlepool's fifth LNR after Greatham Beck, Hart to Haswell walkway, Seaton Dunes, and Common and Hart Warren Dunes.