PEOPLE are being urged to do their bit to save vanishing wildflowers.

Schoolchildren and adults are being recruited not only to keep an eye on areas where the plants grow on Teesside, but to be trained in how to propagate them.

The scheme - the Wildflower Ark Tees Valley Education Project - is being launched at Nature's World, Middlesbrough, the only site in the Tees Valley where the rare grass vetchling can be found.

The botanical centre plans to launch an education and training programme for schools and trainees, using data and seeds colllected from previous conservation projects.

A wildflower nursery is to be established at the centre, where people will be able to study and be trained in wildflower propagation. The same area will be used to produce genetic stock for conservation and landscaping projects, to ensure the plants' survival.

"We are very keen to hear from members of the public who know of wildflowers in local urban or suburban areas that they feel are important to their local area, or have been overlooked in the past," said project coordinator Helen Herring.

"Sites to look for are ponds, hedge bottoms, grassland, old walls, beck valleys, streams and ditches.

"We will then be able to investigate those sites, record the wildflowers present, and provide advice to landowners on how they could manage the site in the future."

Six wildflower germination packs will be created as part of the scheme, to stimulate children's interest in growing stock from seed.

Mike Cottingham, of project partner Northumbrian Water Environmental Trust, said: "The keynote of this project is involvement.

"Children, trainees, and members of the public are all being invited to come onboard the Wildflower Ark and join a growing force committed to protecting our wildflowers for the benefit of the local community."

Organisers aim to monitor and maintain local plant diversity in partnership with conservation groups and land owners, while increasing public awareness of wildflowers.''

The trust has contributed about £20,000 to the scheme, which is also supported by Groundwork Middlesbrough, and New Deal for Communities.