ALTON Town Council has unveiled new interpretive signage at Kings Pond thanks to a helping hand from nearby Birdworld.

The signs feature information about the pond and its history, and pictures the birds and plant life that can be found along the Kings Pond Trail.

There is advice also on how visitors can help to care for the site and its inhabitants.

Viewed as a welcome addition to what is a popular town centre attraction, the signs were kindly donated by Birdworld as part of the centre’s conservation funding scheme.

Located at Hold Pound, near Farnham, Birdworld in one of England’s largest bird parks and has a vested interest in conservation work.

During an official hand-over at Kings Pond, Mark Anderson, manager of Birdworld, explained: “An important part of the work done at Birdworld is conservation and breeding of captive species but the Birdworld Conservation Fund also supports projects and initiatives from local to international. Current projects includes work with South African penguins and involvement with the reintroduction of the Great Bustard to England.

“At a local level Birdworld is always on the lookout for local initiatives to promote conservation and new signage at Kings Pond in Alton was a perfect opportunity to do this.”

Accepting the signage on behalf of the town, Alton Town Mayor, cllr Matthew Bayliss, said: “I would like to thank Mr Anderson and Birdworld on behalf of Alton Town Council for their generous sponsorship in producing and providing the new signs, which are both educational and informative for visitors, and an attractive new addition to Kings Pond.”