VOLUNTEERS are urgently needed to help pluck oil covered seabirds from beaches and to drive them to Dover for collection by the RSPCA.

Last week the East Kent Mercury newspaper highlighted the plight of birds falling foul of an oil slick in the Channel following the sinking of the Tricolor in December.

In eight weeks more than 170 had been rescued from the shoreline of South Kent including the beaches of Dover, Deal and Sandwich.

Seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and gannets are being picked up between Margate and Folkestone with a concentration around St Margarets, Deal and Walmer. More are recovered daily.

Prompt attention is given locally to stabilise them prior to their removal to the RSPCA's Mallydams rescue centre near Rye where a specialised clean up operation takes place.

People who find oil covered seabirds are asked to contain them by wrapping them in a towel or appropriate cloth, keeping them warm and ringing the RSPCA on 08705 555999 or Wildlife Careline on 01304 205810