A GROUP of school children helped plant apple trees in a historic garden ahead of its opening at the weekend.

Durham Gilesgate Primary School children were joined by local Durham county councillors at Old Durham Gardens, off Bent House Lane, on the outskirts of the city today (Thursday, March 26).

Friends of Old Durham Gardens trustee Paul Beard said: “The day went really well. We are building up relations with local primary schools with the view to them using the garden as a educational resource.

“One of the ways we are doing that is by getting schools involved in planting. Durham county councillors Patrick Conway, Katie Corrigan and Bill Moir as well as head teacher Mark Turner joined in the planting today.

Seven apple trees were planted. They were be trained along trellises in the traditional way.

The walled garden will be open from 2pm to 4pm from every Thursday and Sunday from the weekend (March 29). Entry is free.

The rest of the garden remains open throughout the year.

The gardens, which date from the 17th century, were mostly developed by John Heath, who belonged to a long family of builders and gardeners.

The gardens offer stunning views of Durham Cathedral and Castle.