YOUNGSTERS are getting a Christmas party as a thank-you for the help they give local wildlife.

The Durham Wildlife Trust is holding the event at its Rainton Meadows reserve and visitor centre, near Houghton-le-Spring, tomorrow for children in its Wildlife Watch groups.

The children, aged eight to 13, are being rewarded for their help looking after wildlife, nature reserves, gardens and allotments. There will be a storyteller in a Mongolian felt tent, Santa will be there and there will be party games on a wildlife theme.

The youngsters will also make Christmas decorations from natural materials.

Education officer Helen Cheetham said: "We are delighted to be able to hold this event to celebrate all the achievements of the children who go to the watch groups.

"I would especially like to thank the North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op's Community Dividend Fund which has given us a grant of £250.

"The fund is made up from customer donations and without this we would not have been able to hold this event.''

For details, call Ms Cheetham on 0191-584 3112.