THE calm of the countryside will be available to people in the heart of town thanks to a new nature reserve.

Schoolchildren have begun the next phase of work to turn a former allotment into a nature reserve in the Berwick Hills area of Middlesbrough, where 4,000 trees are being planted.

The work has been made possible by a grant to Middlesbrough Borough Council from English Nature.

Members of the public jointed pupils from King's Manor School to continue work started last week by pupils from Berwick Hills Primary School.

Mascot Freddie the Fox handed out leaflets and certificates to the youngsters.

Middlesbrough wildspace officer Sue Antrobus said: "I'm really encouraged by the response to the development of this site as a local nature reserve.

"The 4,000 trees we have already planted last year with the help of 300 children from three local primary schools have been well cared for and every one of them is thriving.

"To build on this success, we are planting more woodland copses which will provide food and shelter for all manner of wildlife.

"In January, with the help of inmates from Kirklevington Grange Prison, we are targeting the site for a week long litter pick. The team will then make monthly follow-up visits to make sure the site is kept litter-free."