RESIDENTS of three Durham villages spent part of their weekend digging to ensure a colourful spring.

People at New Brancepeth, Sherburn Hill and West Rainton planted hundreds of crocus and daffodil bulbs on sites near their homes on Saturday.

The work was their contribution towards the regeneration of the former pit communities and tied in with national Make a Difference Day, organised by Community Service Volunteers.

Durham City Council's Single Regeneration Budget Six (SRB6) team helped and advice on planting was given by the authority's community services department and Durham County Council.

The SRB6 Play Opportunity Works! team also helped.

Peter Woods, chairman of the Sherburn Hill Environmental Action Group, said: "This is our second year of bulb planting on Make a Difference Day."

He said the event was supported by members of the action group and residents of all ages.