COUNCIL candidates across Hampshire have been challenged to show their green credentials by the county's leading wildlife charity.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has written to more then 700 candidates asking them to outline what they would do, if elected, to create a better environment for local wildlife and local people.

Trust chief executive Susan Walton said: "Market research has shown that over 70 per cent of the public believe that the environment is very important.

"Our 27,000 members are no different and will be keen to understand what position their candidates are taking on a range of environmental issues. "

The Trust has posed three questions: What steps would candidates take to ensure access to green spaces within 300m of residents' homes.

How local wildlife would be protected and what encouragement would be given to councils, public bodies and other organisations to work together to ensure that the environment adapts to climate change.

All candidates' responses will be put on the Trust's website. Visit www.hwt.org.uk.