ONE of the North-East's last communities of red squirrels has come under threat.

Environmentalists have discovered that rival grey squirrels are moving into the Hamsterley and Low Westwood area, of North-West Durham.

Now, County Durham environmentalist charities the Acorn Trust and the Durham Wildlife Trust have teamed up to develop a project to help the reds.

Larger grey squirrels, which are originally from North America, have largely wiped out the British red squirrels across the country, because they are better at gathering food.

County Durham environmentalists conducted a survey in the Hamsterley area at the end of January to monitor the situation.

They have also told members of the Hamsterley and Low Westwood Residents Association how to help the red squirrels, including building feeders specifically designed for them.

Local residents have been asked to fill in record sheets whenever they spot a squirrel, of any colour.

Supplementary feeders and hair tubes to monitor squirrel populations have been placed near the Harry Collinson Reserve, at Hamsterley.

Volunteers joining the Acorn Trust to help in the January survey found evidence of squirrel activity over a number of days, and finally spotted a red squirrel on the last day of the project.

Anyone who spots a red squirrel anywhere in the region is asked to call Durham Wildlife Trust, on 0191-584 3112.

Red Alert squirrel record sheets can be collected from the Acorn Trust's office in Consett