A FAMILY of otters were spotted playing in the debris under Worcester Bridge.

Resident and nature lover Gill Cutler said: "I spotted them playing in the rubbish on Friday. I was shocked, I have never seen otters before, let alone in the city. They were beautiful to watch."

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust believes otters are living in almost every waterway in the county.

Back in November otters were spotted swimming in the brook in Gheluvelt Park.

The furry mammal had been struggling to survive in the wild as their natural habitats were destroyed by intensive farming and pollution.

However, these sightings indicate that the quality of Worcestershire's waterways is improving and food, such as fish and small amphibians, is much more plentiful than it was 50 years ago.