An endangered mammal has returned to Nottinghamshire's rivers after a 25-year absence.

The otter population all but disappeared from England in the 1980s.

Pollution and diminishing fish stocks were blamed for the steep decline.

But conservation work has encouraged the creatures to return, including a group in Nottinghamshire.

Farmers help

The Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group has been working to create fish habitats on the Rivers Smite, Devon and Trent.

More than 40 otter holts - or homes - were constructed and placed in suitable habitats in all of the county's major rivers.

Farmers in the area have also been encouraged to consider otters when managing their land.

A recent survey calculated the total population had increased countrywide to more than 350.

It is believed six of those reside within Nottinghamshire.