THE hunt is on for dormice in a scheme to protect their dwindling numbers.

Devon Wildlife Trust is calling for volunteers of all ages to take part in a quest to discover more about one of the county's most characteristic creatures.

The charity is running a number of training events across the county throughout September and October to help people identify signs of dormice in the wild.

It is part of the Great Nut Hunt which is being led by the People's Trust for Endangered Species.

Devon is a stronghold for the species but more information about their distribution is needed to aid conservation efforts, said Stephen Hussey of the DWT.