RUNCORN youngsters are hoping to attract bats and birds into their neighbourhood.

Young people aged 16-20 from Palacefields estate learnt how to make bat and bird boxes at a free craft workshop.

Housing association Riverside organised the woodwork session at the Lord Taverners Woodside Youth Club with help from the Earth Skills Project.

Lorna Cotterill, Riverside’s community engagement officer, said: “We are always looking at ways to encourage young people to get involved in initiatives and to take an interest in their environment.

“As spring is on the way they’ll be keeping a close eye on their very own bat and bird homes to see if they’ve attracted any wildlife.

“And they’ve picked up some valuable skills in the process.”