WORK is under way to transform a garden as part of a competition run by The Northern Echo.

Keen gardeners Gerry Cox and his wife Marjorie, who had already spent hours cultivating their garden in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, won The Northern Echo Gardening Club column's competition to improve it even further.

Their prize included the services of Houghall Enterprises horticultural consultant Steve Wilson, who devised a plan for their front lawn, and landscape gardeners Paul Lister and Eddie Timofte, of Wilson Construction, who are carrying out the work.

Mr Wilson said that although the couple had a beautifully-tended garden, there was room for improvement.

He said: "Mr Cox wanted some evergreen plants with a bit more colour, and he was also concerned about privacy, as he wanted to use an area that was in full view as a seating area.

"When we have finished, the garden will be screened, and we are also doing a patio area to fit in with the overall design as well as a small rock feature adjacent to it.

"The garden will be vastly improved."

Mr Timofte said that when the ideas were suggested to Mr Cox, a retired bus company operator, he was delighted.

He said: "He was over the moon with Steve's plan."

Anyone requiring landscape gardening services can contact Wilson Construction on (01642) 865628/644727 or 07971 979198.

Houghall Enterprises, which offers a garden design and construction service, and an arborist team, can be contacted on 0191-386 0934.