YOUNGSTERS have enjoyed their first taste of a £10,000 garden at a village community centre.

The garden, at the Community Tea Rooms in Leadgate, near Stanley, was designed and built by villagers Dave and Desree Emerson, with help from children.

Students from Blackfyne Comprehensive School, in nearby Consett, also worked with pupils from Leadgate's junior and infant schools on the project.

Peter Murphy, tea rooms secretary, said involving young people had helped to protect the site.

"The people of the village have looked after it and so far it hasn't suffered any damage," he said.

"The teenagers asked for a shelter and a swing at the bottom of the garden and they have really taken care of their area. We are very proud of them."

Parents and children joined older people from local residential homes for a party, featuring old-time songs from the Happy Wanderers and rock from teenagers Uncle Dad.

There was also a buffet, stalls and a tombola.

The vice-chairman of Derwentside District Council, Cath Clarke, opened the venue. It features a paved area, green space, flower beds and a vegetable plot.

Cash for the garden came from the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund, administered through environmental charity, BTCV.

Tracey Dornan, the BTCV worker who oversaw the project, said: "It has been really good. The residents were a self-motivated group and knew what they wanted to do. I just helped them along. The community seems very happy with the results."