RESIDENTS who have helped to shape their environment will soon be seeing the first fruits of their labours.

People living in an area of Fence Houses, near Houghton-le-Spring, were asked for their views on improving the vicinity.

The consultation resulted in a planting exercise around a grassed area of Churchill Square.

Freshly-planted shrubs and flowers have replaced trees, which were unpopular with residents, in a neat garden arrangement.

The new-look green space was unveiled at a celebration attended by residents, and the gardeners responsible, Victoria Pearson, Steve Colquhoun, Dave Tate and Stuart Brown.

They were joined by Albert Sawyer-Copus, environmental manager at Sunderland Housing Group, whose Houghton and Hetton company oversaw the work.

Maud Abbott, the square's longest resident, gave the refurbishment a thumbs-up.

"I'm delighted the trees have gone," she said.

"The garden is looking lovely. It's tidied the square."

Mr Sawyer-Copus said: "I'm delighted with the results of the new shrub beds, which would not have been possible without careful planning by my staff and involvement with our customers.

"We've replaced the trees which we removed and installed eight flowering tubs around the square."

He thanked everyone who took part, with particular bouquets for the gardening team.