A PRIMARY school's dream community garden is winning awards before it has even officially opened.

Youngsters at St John's Chapel Primary School are celebrating after being presented with a Durham County Council Environment award.

The accolade will give the children something else to celebrate when they gather for the opening of the garden this weekend.

The project has come to fruition after four and a half years of hard work by staff, parents, children and the community.

Headteacher Geoff Hoodless said: "We have won a commendation and a cheque for £100 which will be spent on the garden. This is an extremely attractive asset not only for the school but for the community as well. The award is recognition for all of the hard work.''

The opening tomorrow at 11am will coincide with the Queen's jubilee celebrations and the garden will be named the Jubilee Garden to mark the occasion.

Storyteller Taffy Thomas will open the garden and tell stories afterwards.

There are variety of attractions for all age groups including a section on vegetables, wild flowers and environmentally friendly projects such as compost making.