YOUNGSTERS from Hardwick and Stockton combined to help the local populations of birds and bats yesterday.

The children helped the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to build 75 bird and bat boxes in High Newham Road, Hardwick.

The boxes will be put up in Hardwick Dene, a 12-hectare woodland in the centre of Hardwick, as well as in residents' gardens.

The event was funded by the Single Regeneration Budget, Barclay's SiteSavers and Whitbread brewery.

It is part of a wider improvement scheme being carried out in Hardwick Dene, which has included a new footpath, pond dipping platform and a new education pack for local schools.

The Dene is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance and provides a green area for local people.