ANOTHER scheme to encourage pond life in the region is the latest entry in The Northern Echo's environmental prize.

Last week, we reported on an entry from 65-year-old Tom Oliver, who has dedicated his spare time to improving a 75-year-old pond at West Pelton, in north Durham.

Now, Stan Tucker, a pensioner from New Marske, near Redcar, has entered his efforts to encourage wildlife with a similar project.

Making A Difference, now in its third year, is sponsored by regional development agency One NorthEast.

All sorts of schemes qualify, everything from cleaning up becks and planting trees to promoting recycling and energy efficiency, and this year projects involving ponds are proving a feature.

Stan, who lives in Sandmoor Road, and his son Mike, who also lives in New Marske and is in his forties, have created a conservation area in a corner of land that Stan owns, backing on to Errington Woods.

The pond was dug in 1989 and since then a variety of trees have been planted around its banks, and reeds and other natural vegetation have colonised the area, attracting wildlife.

To enter Making A Difference, simply fill in the form printed above. The closing date is Wednesday, August 15, and there is a £500 first prize