A TEAM of schoolchildren are caring for a tankful of critically endangered European eels.

Pupils at Sedbergh Primary School will release the fish, which were caught in the Severn and number around 50, into the River Rawthey in late June. Eels in the river were once abundant but numbers have dwindled over time.

The Lune Rivers Trust, in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, is leading regular classes at the school, teaching children about eels and other life in local rivers.

Louisa Blundell, of the Lune Rivers Trust, said: “I grew up in the Lune catchment and eels were prevalent, but now numbers are massively in decline. It’s believed stocks have declined globally by 90 per cent.

“There are issues at sea but also inland with problems such as Skerton Weir in Lancashire blocking the way.

“Eels are a sweet treat for otters and fish-eating birds and are an important part of the health of local river life.”