Otters return to Midland waters after extinction scare

Otters are being spotted in Leicestershire for the first time in more than 20 years, having fought back from the brink of extinction.

The species almost died out in the 80s as pollution got worse and their natural habitat was eroded.

An action plan was launched in the late 90s to try to bring otters back and secure their future, with the aim of boosting their numbers by 2010.

And it seems to have worked.

Wildlife buff James Burman was delighted when he was out near the River Welland in Market Harborough and spotted them swimming and playing on the banks.