A RARE breed of newts is being introduced into a marshland sanctuary - created on the site of a former sewage works and next to an industrial estate!

Environmentalists hope the colony of Palmate newts will thrive on Lomeshaye Marsh, Nelson, and they are planning to introduce the rare great crested newt to the area next year if breeding is successful.

Friends of the Earth campaigner Judy Yacoub is rearing baby Palmate newts in a fish tank at her home in Duke Street, Winewall, Colne, in the hope that they can be introduced into the marsh, which is next to Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, next year. The scheme was launched earlier this year after an environmentalist Rick Parker, who is licensed to breed newts, surveyed the marshland and found that it was ideal for the am- phibians.

The Lomeshaye group got 13 adults from him and they produced around 35 babies.

"By the time they're released in the late spring or summer next year they should be able to look after themselves," said Judy. "We've put the adults into the marsh and hopefully they will start breeding naturally there too.

"We already have smooth newts in the marsh and next year we're hoping to be able to start breeding great crested newts for them to be introduced as well.

"It's easier to start with the Palmates because they are more tolerant.

"It's important that places like Lomeshaye Marsh get the chance to offer a viable home to animals like this."

Judy stressed the scheme was under the auspices of English Nature and with the national organ- isation's full approval.

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