A community garden has received a cash award from the National Garden Scheme charity.

Now three years old, Bellerby Community Garden is thriving. With a large greenhouse, abundant plants and vegetables growing, it is well used by the community.

Visitors to the area often visit with many walkers stopping for a well-deserved rest in its pleasant surroundings.

Its success has now been recognised by the National Garden Scheme with a gift of £3,000.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Dee Venner, county officer for the National Garden Scheme, presents a plaque to volunteers and

Dee Venner, county officer for the scheme, visited and presented a plaque to volunteers and supporters at Bellerby which is to be displayed in a prominent place in the garden.

Ms Venner explained that the charity receives income from a national scheme where houses are opened to the public. It donates a considerable amount to charities and community organisations.

Volunteers Anne Flecchia and Kim Finlayson received the plaque. The cash award will be used for paths and purchasing plants.