Birds need your help in the cold winter months.

GARDENERS can find out the best way of helping birds this winter.

The RSPB is holding its annual Feed The Birds Day on Saturday.

And over the weekend the wildlife charity will be holding activities around the region where people can find out more about garden birds and what can be done to help them through the cold months ahead.

On Saturday at Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park, near Middlesbrough, staff at the shop will offer expert advice on feeding garden birds, while younger visitors can enjoy making fat cake to feed their feathered friends in their garden.

At Peter Barratt's Garden Centre in Gosforth, Newcastle on both Saturday and Sunday, from 11am to 4pm, the RSPB will be available to answer questions about helping birds such as blackbirds, robins and sparrows in the winter.

They will also be at Peter Barratt's Garden Centre, Heighley Gate, Morpeth on Sunday.

The charity says people who follow their tips, including putting up nest boxes, can hope to see a jump in the number of birds visiting their garden.

Richard Bashford, Feed The Birds Day manager, said: "We think that everyone will easily be able to find something they can do to help birds regardless of the outdoor space they have.

"It doesn't matter if it's a large or a small garden, community garden, balcony or allotment, there are options for everyone."

Chris Packham, RSPB Vice President and BBC Springwatch presenter said: "What I love about feeding birds is you can see the good you are doing. The way the birds will just pile into your garden looking for food tells you how important it is to them."

For more information visit www.rspb. org.uk/feedthebirds