The North York Moors National Park Authority is looking for extra pairs of hands to assist with the practical work for a project looking to improve conditions for the resident freshwater pearl mussels and salmon in the River Esk. Volunteers would get involved in a range of tasks including river habitat restoration and water sampling.

Anyone interested in helping out is invited to attend a presentation about the project at 7pm next Tuesday at the Fox and Hounds Inn in Ainthorpe.

Simon Hirst, River Esk project officer for the National Park Authority, said: "The presentation will look at the current plight of the pearl mussel whose numbers are unfortunately declining due to increased sedimentation in the river and also at how the local community can get involved in creating a better habitat for pearl mussel and salmon in the River Esk."

The National Park Authority is also keen to discuss available funding opportunities for local landowners and farmers along the River Esk, to carry out practical river restoration work such as fencing of river banks.

The session should finish at around 8.30pm and tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

The Esk Pearl Mussel and Salmon Recovery Project is a partnership between the National Park Authority, Environment Agency, Natural England and the University of Durham. Funding for the three year project is provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorventure, Environment Agency and the National Park Authority.

For more information and to reserve a place, call Simon Hirst at the North York Moors National Park on (01439) 770657.