YOUNG wildlife enthusiasts got into the spirit of Christmas at the weekend.
About 90 youngsters aged between eight and 13, from County Durham, Wearside and Tyneside, gathered for the event at the Durham Wildlife Trust's nature reserve at Rainton Meadows, near Houghton-le-Spring.
The youngsters are members of the trust's Wildlife Watch groups and the event was held as a thank you for helping to look after local wildlife.
The fun featured a storyteller, a visit from Santa, facepainting, party games on a wildlife theme, a nature trail and Christmas decoration making sessions using natural materials.
Trust education officer Helen Cheetham said: "The kids in the group at the Botanic Gardens, in Durham, have created a demonstration wildlife garden that has things like a compost heap, a hedgehog home and bird table. They designed and carried out the project themselves.''
Funding for the party came from the North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op Community Dividend Fund, which gave £250, and Barbour Trust, which donated £150.
Tesco and the Kibblesworth Environmental Centre also supported the event.
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