Two holts for the animals were installed on the Pow Burn last week as part of planned work to reduce flooding to properties in the village.

Work started in February this year and included creating storage ponds that hold water during heavy rainfall, building flood banks and changes to roads and bridges to divert flood water away from properties.

But while it was being carried out, the Environment Agency noticed a lot of otter activity and wanted to provide homes for the animals to keep them in the area.

Pupils from Branton Community First School helped to put in the holts last week alongside local residents.

Environment Agency project manager Peter Kerr said: "The community has been involved in this project since the start, and this is our way of saying thank you."

Those who were affected by the floods were able to see the completed work and a commemorative tree was planted.

The leaky ponds scheme, which diverts flood water away from homes and businesses, cost £180,000. It was paid for by the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee which raises funds from local authorities.

In the picture, Branton First School pupils Calum Hindhaugh, William McDougall and Ruby Wild help place the otter holt with Robert Boughen and Brian Cunningham, from contractors Lumsden and Carroll.