RED squirrels could be set for a ‘bright future’ in East Lancashire if volunteers get involved, according to wildlife experts.

An ‘army’ of 5,000 volunteers is wanted nationwide by wildlife trusts to help save the last remaining indigenous species of squirrel in the country.

While there are no red squirrels in East Lancashire, nature experts have said they could return if the scheme gets enough support.

Alan Wright, campaign office for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: “In the old days we used to see a lot of them in East Lancashire.

“There’s no reason why if we get the support we won’t see them return to East Lancashire.

“The main strongholds are in Merseyside and West Lancashire but if we build up the numbers again they will return across the country.

“They need to have coniferous forests and we’ve got them over in Blackburn and in Clitheroe.

“The future is bright for red squirrels if people take an interest and get involved.”

Experts believe that without help the red squirrel could be extinct within 35 years.

However they have said volunteers can help this but they only have 500 people giving their time to help the animal.

Volunteers would help logging squirrel sightings, monitor feeders, set up cameras and teach people about the animals.

They would also be tasked with reporting any grey squirrels which are seen in red squirrel strongholds.

Since greys were introduced into England in 1876, red squirrel populations have dramatically declined.

It is now thought there are fewer than 140,000 red squirrels left in the UK.

Prince Charles has supported a new plan to help sterilise grey squirrels in a bid to protect native reds.

The government-backed plans would see the grey species would be given an oral contraceptive hidden in chocolate spread, which would last several years.

Data collected about the animals will contribute to the work of Red Squirrels United, a UK-wide network of academics and conservationists set up to protect the reds

The group’s programme manager Cathleen Thomas said: “In most of the UK there are only a handful of refuges left for red squirrels; without help, experts predict this beautiful and treasured creature could be extinct within as little as 35 years.

“Volunteers are playing a crucial role enabling red squirrels to thrive.

“Problems arise because grey squirrels are competing with reds for food.”