WORSHIPPERS have given their church a grand entrance by creating a garden in memory of former villagers.

The entrance to Auckland Park Methodist Church has been transformed by eight members of its congregation who wanted to do something special to remember residents from the small community.

Alma Reeve, from the church, said: "We wanted to do something to tidy up the front of the church and thought it would be nice to have a memorial garden.

"We wrote to people in the community asking for donations and at the opening on Sunday we had people from York, Middlesbrough and Thornley - all people who used to live in the village and wanted to be part of it.''

Mrs Reeve and husband Eric spent a long rainy day with fellow volunteers Brian and Emily Errington, Jackie and Alan Bailey, Mac Goddard and Freda Martin, planting the shrubs and shovelling six tons of gravel.

A plaque has also been laid to remember the 'friends and family of Auckland Park.'

The new garden is just part of on-going regeneration works at the church, where a new kitchen and toilets have recently been fitted.

Minister Andrew Robinson said: "I think it is remarkable really. We have achieved so much with the building and now what has been done out here is brilliant.''