BLUEBELLS and snowdrops will help bring cheer to a North-East churchyard thanks to the work of green-fingered volunteers.

As part of a national Grow Wild project, 11,000 bulbs are being planted by volunteers to transform the land surrounding St Cuthbert’s Church, in Darlington, into an eco-friendly haven.

The scheme, which is being led by Darlington Friends of the Earth, was made possible thanks to a £5,000 grant from the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

Work on the project began in September when an area of 1,250 metres squared was sowed with wild flower seed, encouraging wildlife and biodiversity in the area.

Project coordinator Kendra Ullyart said: “We will have flowers from January until late summer so there will always be something to look out for at St Cuthbert’s.

“We are planting large areas with bluebells and snowdrops, wood anemones and winter aconite - it will look fantastic and get better every year.”

The project has won backing from a number of high profile supporters, including the town’s MP Jenny Chapman and chief executive of Darlington Borough Council, Ada Burns, and organisers are encouraging schools and community groups to get involved.

Volunteers can plant bulbs at the site every day (except Sunday) from 10am to 2pm until Friday, October 31.

To take part call 01325-469582.