WORK is underway transforming a piece of prison land into a garden for the public.

Fencing has been put up around land near HMP Northallerton not far from the town centre as work begins turning it into a public green space. About half a dozen benches will be installed at the site and the area will be landscaped with flowerbeds and other features.

The project is a joint initiative between Northallerton Environmental Enhancement Initiative (NEEI), the prison and a number of voluntary organisations in the town, including Northallerton and District Round Table, Northallerton Rotary Club and Northallerton Lionesses Club.

Todd Waste Management, based in Thirsk, and Yorwaste have pledged 15 tonnes of top soil each.

Marcus Grover, chairman of Northallerton & District Round Table, said: "There are so many people that pass here on their way to town, we think some will welcome a rest or find it a comfortable place to meet their friends.

“We are impressed with this initiative's projects to tidy up and provide open spaces in our town. We hope there are other groups and societies that get involved too."