THE Environment Agency has stepped in to save hundreds of fish left struggling in a pond after a drop in water levels caused by the drought.

Conservationists who look after the Hookstone Woods nature reserve, in Harrogate, spotted dozens of fish by the side of the Green Pond, which is fed by a natural spring.

The drop in levels caused major problems for the carp and bream.

Staff from the Environment Agency are transferring the fish to the nearby Blue Pond, which is fed largely by water draining off nearby land, including the St John Fisher High School playing fields.

The Green Pond has been fenced off by Harrogate Borough Council.

Among those tackling the problem are staff from the Environment Agency and the the council.

Harrogate's parks director Pat Kilburn said: "The water levels have dropped dramatically in the Green Pond following the long, hot dry summer, causing the fish to struggle.

"We are all working together to tackle the problems in a bid to find a solution."

Water is being pumped from one pond to another in an attempt to restore levels and save the fish.

Hookstone Wood is a haven for birds, with sightings including goldcrest, nuthatch, wren, tree creeper, lesser spotted woodpecker, sedge warbler and kingfisher.