DUCKS and aliens were among the attractions at a fun day to celebrate a newly designated nature reserve in Darlington.

Drinkfield Marsh played host to visitors on Saturday, when youngsters took part in Alien Quest, an adventure game involving teams of volunteers whose aim was to find a secret password to help save the Earth from aliens.

Drinkfield Marsh was designated as an official nature reserve last month, to enable Darlington Borough Council to apply for grants available for its upkeep.