A POLICEMAN is spearheading a campaign to transform a piece of wasteland into a allotment to help rehabilitate addicts.

As part of his secondment to the Prince’s Trust, PC Mark Walley is working with a group of eight young people who are members of Middlesbrough Team 23 from Breckon Hill Community Centre.

The team has chosen to create an allotment which will be used by Middlesbrough based “First Step” an organisation which focuses on the rehabilitation of drug and alcohol addictions.

A series of money-spinning events have been staged to buy gardening equipment to turn the overgrown plot into a bountiful market garden.

They have taken part in a sponsored carwash and a “Coast to Coast” challenge.

Team members worked together yesterday (THURS) to run, row and cycle 147 miles, the distance of the Whitehaven to Sunderland cycle ride.

PC Walley from Cleveland Police said: “This is such a worthwhile project and the whole team is itching to get going however we need a little help to get things underway. “We’d be very grateful if anyone could help by donating goods, money or other resources.”

Any individuals or organisations who can donate equipment or other resources are asked to contact Rob Sharp at Breckon Hill Community Centre on 01642-248704.