A CAMPAIGN to save the rare black grouse from extinction has been such a success in the North East that a plan was announced yesterday to repeat it in other parts of the country.

The population of the spectacular bird has risen steadily in recent years since experts launched a project to protect it in the Teesdale section of the Pennines above Barnard Castle.

There were 773 males of the species in the north in 1998. It was hoped to raise the total to 1,000 by 2010 - but that target has already been passed and the number is still rising. Most of the increase has been in Teesdale.

Now the same methods are to be used in remote parts of North West Northumberland and the Yorkshire Dales, where there are small colonies of black grouse. They used to be common but were put under threat by predators and the loss of habitat.

The Teesdale breeding areas, known as leks, are currently in their mating season. They have been used by the males for 50 years. They gather to attract females with early morning courtship rituals in which they strut around and ruffle their plumage. It is the last remaining stronghold of the species.

Project officer Philip Warren, who has been working with the species in Teesdale for several years, said yesterday: "The launch of this exciting new initiative is a real milestone in black grouse recovery. We have demonstrated that through appropriate management we can reverse the decline of this threatened bird. The battle is now on to expand their range."

The effort to help them included controlling their predators -- stoats, weasels, foxes and carrion crows - and creating the right habitat with a mixture of heathers that attract insects on which the chicks feed.

The project is a 12 year partnership between the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Natural England, RSPB, Ministry of Defence, North Pennines Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Northumbrian Water, with co-operation by landowners and gamekeepers.

The expansion of the scheme is being funded by a donation from Natural England and a contribution from the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Morag Walker of the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust said yesterday: "Black grouse are magnificent birds. When you see them at their leks, with their fabulous white tails and red markings, they are wonderful to watch. It is a spectacular sight."

Martyn Howat, director of Natural England North East, said: "It is an exciting bird. It is a big bird, and an important part of the upland wildlife of Britain."