WILDLIFE campaigners who lodged a cheeky bid to buy a picturesque nature spot in Elton for just £10 have had their offer turned down.

Now, they hope to raise enough money to make a more realistic proposal to receivers, who have received other bids to buy Barracks Lodge.

The Barracks Lodge Community Association, who won a planning battle to prevent houses being built on the site, made their first offer in November, after landowners Stateley Developments went into receivership. Although accountancy firm Ernst and Young turned down the bid, they will consider a more realistic amount.

The association, who want to turn the site into a nature reserve, say they have received donations and pledges from the public, and are close to meeting an undisclosed target.

They have been bolstered by an offer of support from Bury law firm Clough and Willis, to help them complete any purchase.

Association secretary Steve Horrocks said: "We've had a good response from local residents, but we would still be extremely grateful for any donations, large or small, to this very worthy cause."

The association hope that the site, a haven for bats, amphibians and invertebrates, can be made into an educational wildlife reserve for use by school groups.

They say that receivers appear to welcome their proposals for the site.

Mr Horrocks said: "It seems to us that we are the preferred buyers. The receivers appear to want the community to take it on, and keep it as a nature reserve in perpetuity."

A spokesman for land agents Edward Symmons, who are acting on behalf of Ernst and Young, said they were unable to comment on any of the bids, or when a result is likely to be announced.