THE gardens of a children's residential home have been given a spring clean.

A few years ago, Keith Matthews came across an old orchard at Hartburn Lodge, in Stockton, and decided to apply for a Government grant to tidy it up. The money has enabled him and other volunteers to prune the trees, plant 15 new ones and generally spruce the area up. Aborist from Premier Tree Services, Ben Jackson, is pictured cutting down branches at the lodge, so youngsters can enjoy the garden.