HIGH in the hills a secret garden has been taking shape.

The transformation at Bowes, in Teesdale, is the latest entry in Making A Difference, an annual competition run by The Northern Echo and sponsored by the regional development agency, One NorthEast.

Now in its third year, the competition pays tribute to the vast amount of environmental work being carried out in communities throughout the region by volunteers

The volunteers who transformed an under-used part of the grounds at Bowes Hutchinson's Church of England Aided School certainly fit the bill.

Children at the village primary school have worked with staff, parents, Bowes Youth Club, Bowes Pre-School and members of the community to breathe new life into the area.

Graced by attractions, including sculptures developed with professional artists, willow work, a millennium seat and carvings, the garden is also a wildlife haven.

Initiatives from the school's Eco Club, such as nesting boxes and bird feeders as well as a compost bin, wormery and rainwater butt, are all being used to make the area sustainable. There are also measures to allow wheelchair access.

Finance came from the National Lottery, the Lottery-backed Awards for All project, County Durham Environmental Trust, Teesdale District Council and the bank, TSB.

Headteacher Sue Griffiths said: "It used to be just a playing field, but I felt that the children needed something else as well. A playing field does not suit everybody.

"We also wanted to involve the community. Local people do not have a garden or a park which they can enjoy. We were looking to create something which everyone can use.

"Once we mentioned the idea of a secret garden to the children, it conjured up all sorts of things for them."

* This year's winner receives £500 and two runners-up will receive consolation prizes. The closing date is August 15. Entry details can also be found on the website for Northern Eco, the paper's monthly environment supplement. Access thisisthenortheast.co.uk/eco and follow the instructions for competitions.