A MOUNTAIN of topsoil has been delivered to villagers to help them dig deep to improve the landscape.

The first of two 30 tonne loads have already been delivered to Oley Meadows at Shotley Bridge, near Consett, to help create a nature area on the site of an old gas works.

Gas pipeline company Transco has donated the soil after appeals from one of their employees and Derwentside district councillor Joe Toner.

Members of Shotley Bridge Village Trust developed the scheme to create a wildlife garden, which is also being supported by environmentalist group the Acorn Trust and the County Durham Foundation.

Village trust chairman John Worters said the area, bounded by the main road and housing, had become overgrown and a bit of an eyesore.