ONE of Europe's most comprehensive reports into the effect of industrial accidents on wildlife has been completed in the region.

Billingham-based Industry Nature Conservation Association (INCA) has organised the wildlife audit on behalf of companies operating in the chemical sector.

The Teesside audit arouse out of a recent European Union directive which called on companies involved with chemicals to protect wildlife from major accidents.

INCA was established 11 years ago to being together industry and environmentalists on Teessude to protect and enhance existing habitats and create new ones whilst allowing industry to develop.

The new report deals with wildlife including internationally important populations of wading birds, endangered little terns , mammals such as harbour and grey seals and invertebrates and plants.

The database details the impact on flora and fauna of chemicals handed every day by the chemical companies and suggests effective action if there was an accident.

Geoff Barber of INCA said: "This is an important piece of research both nationally and across Europe.

"The work conducted here in Teesside is a leader for Europe. All member states will have to undergo the same kind of process and the work which we have done will be seen as a benchmark."