WIRRAL Council is appealing for people to help save an endangered species.

Today only an estimated 30 pairs of barn owls remain in the area and, in conjunction with the Barn Owl Group, the council is urging the public to sponsor special nesting boxes to protect and enhance nest sites.

The boxes will be built by adults with learning difficulties and placed in suitable sites by Wirral and Ellesmere Port Barn Owl Group.

Locals can sponsor a box for £30 - write to the group at PO Box 114, Hoylake, Wirral, CH48 8BX.