HUNDREDS of helping hands are being recruited to transform rundown areas of two villages in 48 hours.

While parts of the former mining communities of Horden and Easington Colliery have received upgrades in recent years, several sections of the neighbouring east Durham villages are considered drab and neglected.

However, four graduates have teamed up to help kick-start a community scheme, to be completed in two days.

Kate Welch, Peter Coe, Mike Storey and David Robinson have put together their "Bloomin' Marvellous" project, the first of its kind in the area.

They believe the scheme will improve the appearance of the villages, boost employment and help create a greater sense of wellbeing among residents.

It is also hoped it will enable the two communities to enter the Britain in Bloom contest next year.

The two-day makeover will take place on Monday and Tuesday, July 5 and 6, and it is hoped hundreds of volunteers will help.

Involvement will range from planting gardens, fixing hanging baskets, mending gates and garden walls, as well as tidying up the neighbourhoods.

Volunteers are being drafted from community, schools, youth groups, companies and garden societies.

A workshop will be held before the project for those wishing to take part.

The event, overseen by Easington Action Team for Jobs, will be filmed to record the transformation.

Manager Kate Welch said: "The environment we live in has a profound effect on the way we feel, and many areas in the villages are run-down and neglected."

To help, call Mike Storey on 0191-586 6010.

Businesses wanting to take part are asked to contact David Robinson on 0191-586 3366.