OUTDOOR enthusiasts are being asked to share their views this weekend on ways to improve their local green areas.

Free events will take place at St James Church and Community Hall, Burnopfield, near Stanley, on Saturday from 10am to 1pm, including guided walks, kite making, cooking demonstrations with local scouts, play activities and face painting for those who sign a litter pledge.

Environmental regeneration charity Groundwork, working with Burnopfield Partnership, is holding the event to consider how to improve a woodland area near the village known as The Plantation.

Volunteers and green spaces co-ordinator for Groundwork Kath Ivens said: "The Partnership is hoping local people will get involved to have their say in how they would like to see the Plantation improved to make it a safer, more attractive place to visit.

"This project is a perfect example of local people taking action to improve their local green spaces. "We have been working closely with Burnopfield Partnership to support them in undertaking the project to improve the Plantation. We would encourage everyone who lives in Burnopfield to come along on Saturday to have their say."

The Volunteers and Green Spaces project was launched in April with the aim of establishing more ‘Friends’ groups to look after green spaces in the former Derwentside district, as well as supporting existing community organisations.

For further information, please contact Kath Ivens at Groundwork on (01207) 524803.