A project which helped establish one of Lancashire's biggest sand martin colonies has helped United Utilities earn a reputation as one of the world's most socially responsible companies.

The water company has created a sand bank next to its lagoon at Alston Wetland, near Longridge, Preston, and attracted more than 500 birds.

The birds are normally found in vertical river banks where the burrow to build nests, but in recent years flash floods and predation have made it more difficult for them.

The Alston sand bank is just one example featured in the company's annual Corporate Responsibility Report.

United Utilities is the leading water company to feature in the prestigious 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index - which identifies the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies world-wide on the basis of long-term economic, environmental and social criteria. The company is also a platinum plus member of Business in the Community.

Sustainability manager Gaynor Murphy said:

"The things we do today must be balanced with trying to make a positive contribution to tomorrow. We do this by conserving natural resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, supporting the communities we serve and maintaining economic growth. Achieving this balance allows us to deliver lasting benefits to local communities."

United Utilities is investing £3.6bn across the North West to improve water quality and the environment by 2015 and recently signed the latest instalment of a £400m loan from the European Investment Bank to help make water and sewage systems better able to cope with climate change and the needs of a growing population.

Economics experts estimate that United Utilities' five-year programme of work will support more than 9,000 local jobs and contribute some £7bn to the regional economy.