IN days of old, the pinfold in Galphay, near Ripon, was where stray animals would be held after they had been rounded up.

It took its name from the fee, or pin, that the owners would then have to pay to reclaim their impounded livestock.

That was many years ago and, since being last used for this purpose, the pinfold became neglected and covered in weeds.

But, after months of effort involving many villagers, the pinfold has been transformed into a garden for everyone to enjoy.

The project began following the village's golden jubilee celebrations.

With money still to be spent, people wanted something to remember the jubilee by but they did not want to simply plant a tree or install a memorial bench. Instead, attention turned to the pinfold.

With the help of grants from the county's Small Projects Fund, the Community Foundation and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the pinfold has been turned into a garden with a mosaic, beds and three stone benches.

Liz Metcalfe, of the Galphay Institute Jubilee Fund, said: "It has been a true testament to community spirit.

"The completion of the project has been a great achievement, both in terms of creating a very unique garden, and the willingness of villagers to contribute their time, expertise and, most importantly, their enthusiasm."