CELEBRATIONS are taking place to mark the completion of improvements to a village green.

The Helmington Row and Wheatbottom Action Group, near Crook, has helped to improve the village's Watergate Green with a £6,500 grant from the Barclays Bank Sitesavers scheme. The work was also backed by Groundwork West Durham, the County Durham Foundation and the European Development Fund.

Trees and footpaths were added to the green, and a sculpture designed with the help of young people.

Tomorrow, a Winter Warmer celebration takes place to mark the end of the project. There will be a storyteller, carol singing and an artist showing youngsters how to make Christmas decorations. The event runs from 1pm to 4pm at the Community House.