DEDICATED volunteers, who give up their free time to help others, attended a wildlife conference to mark International Year of Volunteers.

More than 100 people turned up to event at Penwortham Environment Education Centre, in Horwick Cross Lane, Penwortham, on Saturday, where there was an all-day meeting organised by The Wildlife Trust.

Workshops available included The Much Misunderstood World of Spiders -- a source of fascinating facts about British invertebrates and Go Batty -- revelations on a bat's night life.

And there were various discussion groups with experts leading talks on subjects such as owls and squirrels as well as tips on getting children involved.

South Ribble's mayor, Coun Norman Crossley and his wife Maureen attended the event.

He said: "There is a lot of disturbing news about wildlife and it's good to see so many people trying to combat the damage that has been done."

Susan Dunning, of The Wildlife Trust, said: "We are always looking for more volunteers and would be grateful to anyone from Preston or Leyland who would help out with their local wildlife. Over the last few years, we have lost 30 per cent of our sparrow population in Britain and no one knows why.

"Plenty of people attending were being educated and showed a great deal of interest. I was very impressed."

Potential volunteers should call The Wildlife Trust on 01772 324129 to help with practical conservation work and organising events.