AN ANCIENT site used to trap ducks for the landed gentry is being given a £45,000 restoration.

Hale Duck Decoy is the last surviving one in the north west and one of only three remaining in the country.

Unveiling the restoration project, Cllr Stan Hill, board member for environment and neighbourhood, said: "This is an excellent project with a fascinating history. I would like to thank the team of staff and volunteers who have made it possible.

"I am sure when it is open to the public it will be an extremely popular attraction."

Used in the 17th century, the decoy is being transformed into a nature reserve, thanks to Heritage Lottery money.

The decoy has a freshwater pond in the centre with five water channels, covered by hoops and nets, leading into each corner.

It is shaped like an irregular pentagon and surrounded by a five metre moat.

Ducks swam underneath the hoops, attracted by a small dog running alongside the bank.

It is believed that the ducks saw the dog as a predator such as a fox, and swam towards it to detract it away from nesting areas.

The restored decoy will not be used for its original purpose, but with information boards, visitors will be able to see how it used to work.

Project manager, Paul Oldfield, Halton Council's nature conservation officer, said: "This is an excellent example of people working together and co-operating with each other - council departments, private contractors, landowners and volunteers."