By Kelly Eve

Last updated 13:48, Tuesday, 07 October 2008

A CUMBRIAN woman is doing her bit to help protect the local population of reds during National Red Squirrel Week.

Sarah McNeil: Images helping to save red squirrel

Sarah McNeil, a keen photographer, has captured some of the creatures in Cumbria, producing a range of cards from her images.

The cards are on sale throughout National Red Squirrel Week, which ends on Friday.

Sarah lives at Thrimby near Penrith with her partner and red squirrel ranger Jerry Moss and their 13-year-old son Hagen. She was born at Longthwaite, Wigton, where she developed her passion for snapping wildlife, flora and fauna.

Sarah said: “The red squirrel images are all taken in my local area.

“The first set have been a sell out and many Cumbrian red squirrels are now benefiting from the money raised as all the proceeds go their way.

“The red squirrel volunteers have purchased much needy items such as squirrel feed, flip lid feeders, hi-tech cage feeder traps, nest boxes, live cage traps and more.”

This week the Wildlife Trust is warning that red squirrels are at increased risk of catching a deadly virus from their grey cousins.

The trusts is urging people to report sightings of reds during National Red Squirrel Week to help them keep track of the population.