A LASTING tribute has been opened in memory of a well-respected bird watcher.

The new bird hide at Scaling Dam Reservoir, between Guisborough and Whitby, has been called the Ted Parker Hide in honour of the former chairman of Teesmouth Bird Club, who died in 2013 aged 62.

Having joined the club as a teenager, Mr Parker, from Nunthorpe, was very active within the organisation and oversaw its growth to more than 500 members during his chairmanship between 2004 and 2009.

The hide was officially opened by his widow, Ruth, at a ceremony attended by family, friends, volunteers and members of the Northumbrian Water team, which runs the reservoir.

Mrs Parker said: "Bird watching was Ted's passion from being a young boy right up until he died, he was immersed in it all his life. It wasn't only the bird watching, he took the interest further, with his work with the Scaling Dam Wildlife Advisory Committee and other environmental and conservation activity.

“Ted would be very humbled and honoured to think the hide was being dedicated to him. He often supported people who made an impact on the bird club and the local area, so to see it happen in his memory is very special.”

Chris Sharp, secretary of Teesmouth Bird Club, said: “The dedication of the new hide in Ted's memory is something that we are very appreciative of and we think he would have approved of what Northumbrian Water has provided to our members and fellow bird lovers.”