RARE species of flora are to be given extra protection in a scheme to enhance wildlife along Teesdale's roadsides.

The Teesdale Roadside Flora Project aims to identify some of the area's rarest flora so that greater attention can be given to preserving them.

Many of Teesdale's roads pass through areas of upland hay meadows, and have traditionally been rich in a wide range of flora and wildlife.

But these have declined in recent decades and the project aims to encourage regrowth, especially of rarer varieties associated with Teesdale.

The scheme is based on a similar project launched in Weardale last month, which has already started identifying areas where rare types of flora are found.

In Teesdale, areas of roadside will be split into priority sections, depending on the amount of wildlife and the number of rare species.

The cost of the scheme has been estimated at £10,000. GlaxoSmithKline has already pledged £3,5000 to the project, and Teesdale District Council has donated £500.

The initiative was highlighted during a meeting of Teesdale District Council's policy and resources committee, and councillors welcomed the project.