A MIDDLESBROUGH environment charity has been overwhelmed with donations to help with a community project - after an appeal in The Northern Echo.

Middlesbrough Environment City ‘s growing together project was on the lookout for plant pots and other gardening gear for use at communal growing sites across the town.

And project officer Catherine Boyle was bowled over by the public’s generosity following the appeal just a fortnight ago.

People donated around 25 bags of pots of assorted sizes, seed trays, compost, grit, netting, tomato seedlings, swede seedlings, seeds, planters, a cold frame and a small cactus.

Most of the equipment will be kept for future planting projects with some distributed among community allotments and gardening groups.

Miss Boyle said: "The response to the appeal for pots has been overwhelming and I’m thrilled and amazed at the generosity of Middlesbrough’s residents.

"I’d like to thank everybody who has contributed because gestures like this will make a real difference.

"The donations we’ve received will enable us to continue to support community garden groups across the town and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from urban farming."

Councillor Brenda Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for public health and sport, said: "This fantastic response clearly demonstrates the interest and enthusiasm that exists across Middlesbrough for these communal growing projects.

"People are learning how to grow fruit and vegetables in gardens and allotments, school playgrounds and public areas."