A WILDLIFE trust is urging the Dorset public to help protect species of animals that are on the decline in their native home of the UK, including the red squirrel.

The red squirrel adoption pack can be delivered by post directly and includes a squirrel soft toy to cherish, a certificate, photograph, and an update on the Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, which is a sanctuary for the red squirrels.

Dorset Wildlife Trust is also offering opportunities for seahorse and barn owl adoptions.

A spokeswoman from the Trust said: "I can’t think of a better gift than protecting Dorset’s wildlife this Christmas."

The cut-off date to ensure postal adoptions arrive for Christmas is December 15.

For more, visit: dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/adoptions21