An endangered wildlife pond created in memory of a man who played there as a child has been given a cash boost.

Sean's Pond, in Heaton Woods, was named after 24-year-old Sean Emmott, who died in a tragic road accident in 1990.

Sean, who grew up in Heaton, was driving to Dunfermline where he was training to be a land surveyor when the accident happened.

The pond is owned by Heaton Woods Trust and was originally a cattle-watering hole. A £2,150 grant has now been given by Yorkshire Water to improve its dilapidated condition.

Sean's father Tony Emmott, 61, of Greenbank Road, Allerton, is the chairman of the trust.

And Sean's mother Jackie Emmott, 59, said: "We thought the pond would be a good way of enhancing the area and somewhere where Sean used to love to play.

"We are really delighted that the trust is making improvements to the pond. It was really lovely when it started out."

Created ten years ago, the pond has now fallen into disrepair, has begun to leak and is being overtaken by vegetation.

It is a popular recreation site and is home to a variety of wildlife including frogs, small freshwater fish such as minnow and stickleback, dragonfly and the endangered common newt as well as a variety of plants such as willowherb, birdsfoot trefoil and yellow flag iris.

David Astley, 80, honorary secretary for Heaton Woods Trust, said: "The pond needs renovating and we hope to double it in size.

"As the trust has expanded and we've bought more and more land, the pond has started to look smaller and as a result we thought we would put together a project to expand it.

"We have had plans drawn up and we have to get estimates from a number of agricultural pond contractors.

"We hope to put the plans into action next year in the spring."

Community affairs advisor at Yorkshire Water Anne Reed said: "At Yorkshire Water we believe that environmental issues are one of our top priorities however big or small. This project really appealed to the panel as it not only helps improve an area important for wildlife but it also make this wildlife area accessible for the urban community to enjoy."

Heaton Woods Trust is also hoping to attract new members

Harry Middleton, 74, a member of the Heaton Woods Trust said: "We acquired our first Asian member last year.

"It seems to me the population is diverse and the committee should reflect that."

Anyone interested in joining Heaton Woods Trust should contact David Astley on (01274) 487167.