A NEWTS breeding ground in Worcester has been earmarked as a site of national and European significance.

Lyppard Grange Ponds are set to become a Special Area of Conservation under a new directive aimed at protecting species in danger of extinction.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott yesterday announced plans to give 81 wildlife sites across England this protected status.

Lyppard Grange Ponds was nominated for its great crested newts - there are more than 200 at the site.

Its two ponds are regarded as among the best breeding grounds in England and Europe.

Mr Prescott's announcement means that the site will be given more protection from urban development and will be a first priority if faced with pollution.

"We are quite lucky to have such a good population," said Andrew Fraser of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

"We are working with the city council to try to make sure that this site is protected in the long term."

The ponds have already been included in local plans, but this new directive means that Lyppard Grange Ponds are a priority site should the area suffer any adverse effects, such as pollution.

"This will be a safeguard for the future. It's great news for this species of newts but it is also good news for the other wildlife that can be found here," said Chris Dobbs, landscape architect at Worcester City Council.

The ponds are also home to smooth newts, dragonflies, damselflies, grass snakes, visiting kingfishers, and a wide range of aquatic wildlife.

This is only the second site of European significance in the county. The other can be found on Bredon Hill, near Pershore.

Other areas include the Severn Estuary, River Clun in Herefordshire and Shropshire and Dixton Woods in Gloucestershire.

"This major step for England's wildlife should complete the UK list of candidate Special Areas of Conservation," said Mr Prescott.

"It's part of the UK's contribution to the EU's extensive network of important nature conservation sites."