A £2.5M sanctuary, designed to inspire young people to love wildlife, could be coming to Teesside.

Plans to create a visitor centre, reptile house, walled garden, children's petting area and craft shop at a 100-acre site at Hart, near Hartlepool, have been unveiled.

At the heart of the proposal is a green version of the boy scouts and girl guides movement to encourage young people to better understand nature.

The newly established Hart Wildlife Foundation has already completed a feasibility study.

Now, the foundation is hoping that community groups and members of the public will lend their support.

At first, the sanctuary would house rescued animals including ponies, llamas, rabbits, bats, owls, snakes and swans.

Later, it is hoped more endangered species would be brought in for breeding.

What would make the sanctuary unique would be the provision of facilities for wildlife members, similar to the scouts.

Chairman and founder member of the foundation, Mark Spence, said enthusing young people about nature would be a vital part of the scheme.

He said: "I've been involved with wildlife all my life and it upsets me that the North-East is the worse place in Britain for crime against animals.

"The idea will be to interest young people in animals and that will stay with them for life.

"It is very early days at present and there's no doubt these plans are ambitious.

"There's a lot of talking to do with a number of groups about the way forward but I would like the sanctuary and the scout and guides group to open together.

"What we need now is committed volunteers to come forward to help make this happen."

Mr Spence said that the 100- acre land earmarked for the project was west of the new windmill site, near the A179 at Hart.

The land is owned by two farmers, who are happy for their property to be used as part of the scheme.

At present, the foundation is looking at issues surrounding leasing the land.

However, it is thought that any applications for National Lottery money would require the foundation to own the property.

The foundation will apply to Hartlepool Borough Council for outline planning permission to be granted.

Detailed plans will be submitted at a later date.