GREEN-FINGERED volunteers are being encouraged to help transform a town centre churchyard into an eco-friendly haven.

Wild flowers are being planted in the land surrounding St Cuthbert’s Church, in Darlington, as part of the national Grow Wild project.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which is behind the scheme, has donated £5,000 to help Darlington Friends of the Earth transform the land with the help of local schools and community groups.

It is hoped 10,000 bulbs will be planted and an area of 1,250 metres squared sowed with wild flower seed, encouraging wildlife and biodiversity in the area.

Reverend Robert Williamson, of St Cuthbert’s Church, said: “St Cuthbert?s Church is the largest green space in our town centre. "Churches should be places where we care for each other and our environment.

“We are very excited and welcome people to come along and share this fantastic opportunity for St Cuthbert’s Church. It gives the church an ideal opportunity to demonstrate our desire to serve the wider community.”

Project coordinator Kendra Ullyart added: “We are thrilled to have won this opportunity for Darlington to be part of one of the UK’s most exciting wildflower projects.

“We would really like to share it with as many local people as possible."

Volunteers can help plant flowers at the site every day this week from 10am to 2pm.

For more information call 01325-469582.