WORK is under way to recreate a Victorian garden in Saltburn.

More than 750 new plants are being planted to restore the original vision of the Italian Gardens in Saltburn Valley.

Redcar and Cleveland Council area management department has begun the task of reinstating the buxus hedging, replacing 750 of the plants, renewing the decorative gravel, installing new bollards and refurbishing all the furniture.

The aim is to recreate as closely as possible the vision of the original Victorian layout for an Italian parterre garden, designed by Joseph Newton and implemented between 1865-7.

The council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, Coun Dave Fitzpatrick, said: "The council sees this area as a major tourist attraction, not just for Saltburn but for the whole borough.

"That's why we're committed to maintaining it in pristine condition for everyone to enjoy."

The work is the start of a long-term strategy for the Valley Gardens, selected as one of nine pilots for a new Countryside Agency project.