Mammal expert Darren Smith, from Hexham, goes on the trail of the elusive dormouse in a television wildlife series.

He tells Wild North presenter Kim Inglis that records of dormice colonies in the region are few and far between. He hopes to track down the elusive animals and encourage them to set up home in a local woodland.

Dormice hibernate for eight months of the year. With the help of the Northumberland National Park, Darren is putting up boxes in a hazel wood where the tiny creatures have been spotted.

"We want to give them a real chance to survive," he said.

The programme also features Graeme Skinner, from Guisborough, who advises companies on being more wildlife-friendly.

He is concerned that the habitats of grass snakes, which are harmless, are being destroyed.

"Once you get to know them, they are really interesting and have the most beautiful markings," he said.

Wild North is on Tyne Tees on Sunday at 2pm.