A GARDEN party to mark the launch of a newly revived nature reserve was held by the British Red Cross in Worcester.

Red Cross volunteers and staff, as well as local businesses, were invited to Wednesday’s event at the charity’s branch at Berkeley Business Park to celebrate the conservation of a habitat of the great-crested newt.

Guided tours of the nature reserve, next to the Red Cross building, were to give people a chance to spot the rare creature.

There was also a raffle, a bring-and-buy sale and a cake sale, which brought in £160, with more to come. The money will go towards the Red Cross’s services in Worcester, included community-based first aid.

Local singer/songwriter Deborah Hodgson provided live music during the event.

The Red Cross also used the event to thank the people who supported its appeal week in May, when it raised nearly £8,000. The money will be used to help people in crisis both at home and abroad.