A community nature group is appealing for fresh fish to boost biodiversity in a popular ancient town pond.

Members of the Bluebell Pond Society which look after the area of water off Bacton Road, North Walsham, are also appealing for younger members.

The group, as well as 12 volunteers, cleared out the Bluebell Pond at the weekend in what has become an annual event.

Chairman Roy Haynes, 83, from Rye Close, North Walsham, said: 'It has become a focal point for the town. People from the care homes sit there in the summer and think it is brilliant. It has enhanced the entrance to North Walsham along Bacton Road.'

The pond dates back to the 1600s when it was known as surveyors pit. People who transported cattle from the midlands used it as a watering shed for animals.

The pond dried up after new homes were built on the edge of North Walsham in 1987 and the hole ended up being used as a rubbish tip.

Mr Haynes, a former town mayor and deputy leader of North Norfolk District Council said the Bluebell Pond Society was formed in 1990 because the area had become an 'eyesore'.

The land was leased to the group by North Walsham Town Council and the dozens of volunteers re-established the pond, trees and nature.

'Everybody became involved. There is now an abundance of wildlife,' said Mr Haynes, who appealed for any donations of freshwater fish - but not goldfish.

The society receives about £300 each year from the town council and holds two clean-up days each year. The next one will be in September.

Wildlife at Bluebell Pond includes newts, frogs, moorhens and wild ducks.

If you have any fish you want to donate or want to get involved call Mr Haynes on 01692 405945.