CONSERVATION volunteers from East Lancashire can now earn a wage while helping the environment thanks the funding from Europe.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside has secured funding from the European Social Fund which will enable them to offer paid placements to people who are aged 18 to 24 years and have been unemployed for six months. Steve Cowell, Trust training co-ordinator, said the placements were good news for the Trust and the participants.

"They enable us to get a lot more work done for wildlife as we will effectively have more staff and the provide participants with valuable work experience and training to enable them to get back into full-time employment," said Steve.

Further details are available from the Wildlife Trust on 01772 324129.