TOURISTS from Belgium found themselves spending their holiday in a field, helping to protect the East Lancashire countryside.

The 'green' visitors were enjoying a Natural Break conservation working holiday, organised by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).

The holiday with a difference included erecting fencing to protect a hedgerow in a field off Barrowford Road, Barrowford. Their work will allow new shoots to grow without being eaten by farm animals. The scheme was one of 380 Natural Break projects taking place throughout the country over the summer. They give volunteers the chance to get involved in conservation initiatives and see some countryside away from the normal tourist trails.

Tom Partridge, BTCV's local project officer, said: "For some members of the group it was their first taste of practical conservation work.

"They will be able to apply these newly-learned skills from the scheme in Barrowford to help improve their own local patch."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.