SECURITY has been improved at a community gardening project.

Deerness Fencing and Landscape has helped local volunteers install fencing around the main planting area at Blackhill Club Community Garden, near Consett.

Volunteers have been working all year-round planting flowers, trees, herbs and building up raised beds getting it ready in time for this summer.

They will now concentrate on putting the finishing touches to the garden.

They will also be installing a polytunnel, decking area and planting up a wildlife trail for bees, butterflies and birds.

The planting area will be open to the local community to grow fruit and vegetables which will be used to supply the weekly community meal.

Group spokesman Terri Lee-Shield said: “The fencing is a really important addition to the garden. Deerness have done a wonderful job and it was a big help to our volunteers. The staff were brilliant and spent time with them providing advice on materials and teaching them new skills.

“The fence has really improved the garden aesthetically and we can’t wait to get it finished in time for the whole community to enjoy this summer.”