THE dedication of volunteers who have worked to improve a woodland area in Darlington has been recognised with two awards.
The Friends of Geneva Wood triumphed in an environmental initiative run by the Wildlife Trust, npower and local councils.
The group beat off competition from more than 50 other entrants from the Tees Valley and County Durham to win both the urban community and small community categories.
Volunteers, together with Darlington Borough Council's countryside team, have worked to transform the woodland, near the 96.6TFM Arena, into a nature reserve for visitors to enjoy.
New pathways, barriers to block access for motorbikes, new flowers, plants and wildlife have dramatically improved the area over the past two years.
John Griffiths, a volunteer ranger and local resident, said: "Its such a good feeling being able to visit a safe countryside area in the middle of town, cared for by so many people."
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