The fight to save red squirrels from extinction in the UK is being led at an east Kent animal park.

A new brood of babies has just been born at Wildwood, Herne, which will become part of a ground-breaking project to reintroduce them to the wild.

The park wants to set up a sanctuary for them on the Isle of Anglesey where it is hoped they will thrive and form a strong community.

Once a familiar sight and made popular by Tufty, the character of a 1960s road safety campaign, they vanished from Kent decades ago.

Wildwood Trust chief executive, Peter Smith said: “The red squirrel is Britain’s only native squirrel but has been fighting a losing battle with the bigger American greys. They will continue to decline towards extinction unless urgent action is taken.

“But it’s not too late. If we can help restore areas of woodland to a native state and make a concentrated effort, we might just be able to tip the balance back in their favour.”

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Visitors to Wildwood will be able to see the young squirrels over the next few weeks, although early in the day to see them active is advised.