ENGLAND'S otters are returning to areas they were driven from nearly 50 years ago, according to a national survey published today.

Research carried out by the Environment Agency, Wildlife Trusts, water companies and English Nature has confirmed that areas where otters can now be found has increased five-fold in the past 25 years.

Tracks or droppings were found at just over a third of the sites investigated across the country, compared with just under six per cent in the late 1970s.

Otters were in serious decline throughout Europe in the 1960s, primarily following the widespread use of toxic pesticides, so much so that only a handful remained in the South-West, East Anglia and parts of Wales and Scotland.

However, enhanced water quality, improvements in fish stocks and changes in riverbank management have all aided their recovery to current levels.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust water for wildlife officer Sylvia Jay said: "We are delighted otters are doing well in Yorkshire.

"We have been campaigning and carrying out practical work, such as installing artificial holts, and otters are spreading out along most Yorkshire rivers, but helping is hard work and there is lots more to do before the animals have a secure future."

The Environment Agency's national conservation manager, Alastair Driver, said: "Despite the good news, we cannot become complacent.

"Otters are not increasing as fast as we would like in some areas, and we will need to concentrate on ways to protect the otter from the motorcar, which continues to be one of the biggest threats."

* Anyone who sees an otter is asked to report the sighting to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust by calling (01904) 659570.

More information is also available from www.yorkshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk