ALMOST 50 youngsters took to their hands and knees to search for evidence of red squirrels at an event designed to raise awareness of the endangered species.

Pupils from Coniston and Grasmere primary schools took part in the educational morning held at Skelwith Fold Caravan Park to mark national red squirrel week.

David Hill, chairman of Red Alert North West, a group dedicated to conservation of red squirrels, attended the event, which kicked off with a lively debate, followed by a walk around woodland in the caravan park, during which the children had a go at putting into practice some of the skills they had learnt.

The event was the result of a partnership between Skelwith Fold and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, aiming to make youngsters aware of the importance of wildlife preservation.

l Pupils at Burton Morewood Primary School have also been learning about the need for native red squirrels to be protected and preserved.

Children in year 5 and 6 responded to a request from Red Alert North West to help raise awareness of the need for conservation, by producing fliers and posters encouraging people to report sightings of the species to the school, which will pass on information to Red Alert.