FOR years, it was the legendary Durham Puma which stayed one step ahead of wildlife buffs eager to prove its existence.

But now, experts are in a flap over sightings of a new mystery beast - the Weardale Wolverine.

Exotic wildlife research organisation Beastwatch is on the hunt for evidence of the creature after a motorist claimed to have spotted one in the most unlikely location.

The female driver contacted Beastwatch to say she had twice seen a "big, ferret-like creature" on the moors between Rookhope and Ireshopburn.

The woman, whose name has not been disclosed, told the organisation: "I have twice seen a beastie that looks like one - a big, ferret-like" creature, almost as long as a badger.

"It is 'polecat'-coloured at a guess, but on both occasions it has been dark and only briefly seen in the car lights. "Whatever it is, it lives in a small conifer plantation, populated by loads of rabbits, hares, squirrels, so plenty of food."

Chris Mullins, of Beastwatch, said: "There have been other reports, but not in the North-East. There was a wolverine shot in Wales some time ago.

"It is most uncommon to see them and we are just looking for any more information. The creature, a relative of the skunk, is said to be up to 18 inches tall, powerfully-built, with sharp teeth and a bushy tail."

It is a nocturnal hunter, preying on whatever it can find, from rats to rabbits. It is considered an endangered animal because of hunting by fur traders.