THE fightback from near-disaster by one of Britain's most endangered seabirds has been a success.

A little tern colony at Crimdon, on the Durham coast, was nearly wiped out in 1999 when an illegal egg collector stole almost every egg.

This year it has been revealed that 55 chicks were successfully raised, more than double last year's total of 26.

The chicks, raised from 43 breeding pairs at the colony, between Hartlepool and Peterlee, were protected by conservation wardens.

This year, the wardens, many of them volunteers, stood guard because the nature of the birds' nests, shallow holes in the sand, meant they were vulnerable to thieves, vandals, predators, horses and motorcycles.

The breeding project, which also covers a colony at Seaton Carew, is run by the Billingham-based Industry Nature Conservation Association (Inca) and funded by local industry and the Government.

Kevin Spindloe, full-time warden, said: "We are delighted with the number of chicks that have been raised this year, which is much higher than in previous summers.

"The good weather has undoubtedly helped, but increased public awareness and the vigilance of our dedicated team of volunteers means we have been able to minimise the disturbance."

The birds have now flown to Africa, where they will spend the winter.