Members of Eden Residents' Association, in Spennymoor, are transforming two plots at Timothy Terrace Allotments into a community garden.

The group, formed last September to clean up the area, has received grants and gifts from local people, businesses and groups.

A £5,000 National Lottery grant has paid for a security fence and the area has been cleared and dug over.

Association secretary Cynthia Bell said: "Before we started none of us knew each other. Now we are friends and the project has created a sense of community and pride."

To volunteer to work on the allotment, or to make a donation to the upkeep of the garden, call Pauline Freeman on 07963 112227.