PEOPLE in Bolton will be asked next month to help in a major survey to gauge the state of the nation's wild birds.

The Big Garden Birdwatch is being organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and is being supported by its 400-strong Bolton Group, who will conduct their own garden surveys over the winter.

But on the weekend of January 25 and 26, people will be asked to fill in a simple form, recording the numbers of birds such as blackbirds, robins and house sparrows on each day.

The survey will help the RSPB plan its future strategy. Recent reports have said that some of Britain's most common birds, such as starlings and house sparrows, are declining at an alarming rate.

People can find out about the survey on line by calling up www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. Alternatively, a survey form can be obtained by calling 0870 6010215.