AN appeal for people to come forward to help protect one of Britain's rarest seabirds has been successful.

Twenty people have signed up to become volunteer wardens and they will soon be taking turns to watch over two colonies of little terns in the Hartlepool area.

However, there is still time for people to come forward.

The birds recently started arriving from their winter quarters in Africa to re-establish their usual main colony at Grindon.

There is also a satellite colony at Seaton Carew, near the North Gare.

Hopes are high for another successful breeding season after last year when 26 chicks were fledged.

The need for wardens to keep a close eye on the colonies is important, as little terns nest on the ground, making them particularly vulnerable to egg thieves, predators and people riding quad bikes and motorcycles.

The little tern project is run by the Industry Nature Conservation Association, which receives donations from local industry and landfill tax credits to cover the costs.

Other organisations include Hartlepool Borough Council's countryside wardens, English Nature and local bird clubs.

Warden Kevin Splindloe said: "Although the initial response to our appeal for volunteer wardens has been excellent, we are still on the lookout for more people.

"We would be happy for people to give us whatever time they can.

"I can even envisage a scenario where dog walkers sign up to act as wardens while they are exercising their pets in these areas.

"Other people might be prepared to make a greater commitment. We would be grateful for any assistance.

"The more volunteers we have, the more protection we can provide and this results in higher fledging rates."

For further information contact 07766 406157.