WHEN retired railman Terry Beer heard that his local nature reserve needed help, he did not hesitate to offer his services.

Now he is helping raise public awareness about Drinkfield Marsh, in Darlington, as one of the town's first volunteer rangers.

Mr Beer, who lives in the Longfield Road area, a short walk from the reserve, is helping site owner Darlington Borough Council tackle problems including litter dropped by young people who indulge in drinking sessions.

The 61-year-old, who retired two years ago from his job as a technician with railway maintenance company Jarvis, began his involvement with the reserve by joining its steering group, which comprises council representatives and local people.

Mr Beer then answered the call when the authority appealed several months ago for volunteer rangers.

He was one of the first three to be appointed at different sites in the borough.

"I see my job as the eyes and ears of the council. Volunteer rangers can see what is happening on a site and report back if there are problems," he said.

Mr Beer, who already does litter-picks on the site with wife, Wendy, believes that recent improvements to the reserve, including new footpaths, are helping people realise its importance.

He said: "People, particularly first-time visitors, are surprised at what they find here. I did not know much about wildlife - I thought a duck was a duck - but I have learned a lot. We have a lot of species of wildfowl here as well as water voles.

"I think people appreciate the reserve more, which is a good way of keeping vandalism at bay. I think this is a wonderful place to have on your doorstep."

Council countryside community officer Sarah Storey said: "We very much appreciate the work that the volunteer rangers do on our behalf.

"They are not there to police the site but they are there to help encourage awareness by chatting to people about what it has to offer."

* If you wish to become a volunteer ranger, contact Ms Storey on (01325) 388637.