A COMMUNITY is celebrating after its outdoor relaxation area was transformed - thanks to a load of old rubbish.

The area at Well, near Bedale, has been refurbished with the help of a £12,000 grant from Yorventure, funded by landfill tax credits.

The paved and planted area at Well Institute will be accessible to disabled visitors and will provide an outdoor area for summer events in the village, as well as providing a practice and playing area for the local quoits team.

The team plays in the Upper Dales League and was runner-up for the first division championship this year. Members believe they can win the title next year on their new pitch.

The Yorventure grant has enabled Well Institute Committee to dig up the old concrete area, where a bathhouse for soldiers once stood during the war years.

The committee contributed £1,000 towards the cost of relaying concrete, with paving, planted areas and seating, as well as the area for quoits.

Chairwoman Jean Skinner said: "The outdoor area was a real mess, so Yorventure's support for our improvement project was welcomed by everybody - especially the quoits team.

"It will extend our facilities, particularly during the summer months, and I'm sure it will be very well used."

The Well Institute provides a base for parish council meetings, social events and recreation, such as keep-fit classes.

The committee also organises regular events, including an annual scarecrow trail, which help to raise funds for the hall's upkeep and also raise money for charities.