A ONE-OFF clean-up by an environmental task force has been such a success that it has now been set up on a permanent basis.

The group, called the Wednesday Wild Bunch, was set up by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to carry out small conservation assignments in the Stockton area.

After a pilot meeting when they targeted sites in the Tees Corridor, including Portrack Marsh and Maze Park, the Wild Bunch now plan to meet every Wednesday between 1pm and 3.30pm.

Work is already under way constructing footpaths on Portrack Marsh, planting trees on the former Portrack incinerator site and creating habitat for the rare Grayling butterfly in Maze Park.

Jonathan Pounder, the trust's Tees Corridor project officer, said: "Local colleges and universities have responded particularly well, as have their students who want to gain work experience. I hope the good weather will persuade people to come out and volunteer."

The Wild Bunch meets every week behind the Talpore pub, in Stockton. Tools and materials are provided.

To volunteer, call (01642) 759900.