A VILLAGE'S allotments are to undergo a transformation to include community gardens and a wildlife area.

A sensory garden is also planned by South Church Lane Allotment Association, near Bishop Auckland.

The association is working with Groundwork West Durham on a variety of environmental and practical projects to improve the allotments.

The idea is to get better facilities to maintain and attract new members, while benefiting the wider community.

A grant from the Awards for All Lottery Fund enabled the association to buy equipment.

It also secured funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, the Single Regeneration Budget and the European Social Fund.

The first phase of work will focus on improving access around the site and making improvements to the water supply.

The improvements will involve S & D Training, which will carry out work as part of the New Deal initiative, which provides training and experience for local people.

Eventually, it is hoped the allotments will have several community gardens, including a wildlife area and a sensory garden.

The development of these features will involve and benefit local schools and community groups, including members of a local care home who visit the allotments regularly.