CONSERVATION volunteers are confident that red squirrels are alive and kicking in the Allen Valleys.

Since 2014, the North Pennines Area of outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, has been working to revive the declining red squirrel population.

Now, a hidden camera located as part of the AONB’S landscape partnership scheme, has captured evidence that reds exist in the area.

The AONB partnership’s conservation officer Emma Wright said the camera had captured an image of a red squirrel at Deneholme Wood in Allendale.

She explained: “This is a brilliant moment, knowing all the hard work was worth it and there are indeed red squirrels back in Allendale. “