AN organisation devoted to the preservation of wildlife is continuing to prosper.

The number of supporters of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is growing - and has just hit the 10,000 mark.

Members are the trust's most important income source, funding work to look after nature reserves and campaign for threatened species.

More than 80 nature reserves cover every type of wildlife habitat in the region and stretch from Flamborough Cliffs and Spurn, in the east, to Ingleborough in the west, from Richmond in the north, to Sheffield in the south.

The trust's president, actor Brian Blessed, said yesterday: "Like me, our members are all keen to protect wildlife and many help out with practical work as well.

"We are the only charity working exclusively in Yorkshire to help wildlife of all kinds. That is a huge job. Our resources are always stretched and we couldn't function without our members.

"But every extra member means we can do more for wildlife."

He added: "Ten thousand members also gives us a louder voice as we campaign.

"When we talk to politicians or planners about wildlife issues, the fact that we have so many members means they have to recognise the importance Yorkshire people give to conservation."

To join the trust, call (01904) 659570 or visit the website www.yorkshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk