A CHORLEY village has wormed its way onto the wildlife map -- with a unique 'world's only'!

For a pond in Bretherton is home to the only known population of a particular species of worm on the entire planet. The Jennings Proboscis Worm has only ever been found in that pond -- known locally as 'Th' Clay Ole'.

It was discovered by Dr J O Young, of Liverpool University, in 1969, during a large scale pond survey. Now wildlife experts are taking steps to preserve the little creature -- and are considering introducing it to another site and getting it legally protected.

The worm is one of many species included in the new Biodiversity Action Plan for Lancashire due out in March. It is reddish brown with four to six small black eyespots on the upper surface of its head. It grows up to a measly maximum length of 2cm. However, despite its size, or rather lack of it, it is a ferocious predator, shooting out an internal 'proboscis organ' half the length of its body to capture prey.

But residents of Bretherton shouldn't worry -- it does not not attack humans, its favourite snack is an oligochaete worm. Sponsored by Lancashire Waste Services, Lancashire Environmental Fund, The Wildlife Trust and English Nature, the action plan will contain recommendations to help protect the worm.

Tony Searjeant, biodiversity project officer, said: "We don't don't have many species that are unique to Lancashire. We have a kind of global responsibility for this species because it occurs nowhere else. Mr Searjeant also revealed that pharmaceutical companies are investigating medicinal properties from this group as a result of its chemical defence system. WORM watch: David Dunlop, conservation officer for Central and West Lancashire with Susan Dunning, publicity officer, both of the Wildlife Trust, and dog Brachen, on the trail of the Jennings Proboscis Worm.