GREEN-fingered residents are embarking on their 'most ambitious gardening project to date' as they attempt to transform overgrown land into a rockery.

Over Hulton Community Group has appealed for neighbours to help them tackle the eyesore in Salford Road.

The site lies opposite the Red Lion car park, near St Andrews Church, and contains an advertising sign for an ice cream shop in the middle of the weeds and grass.

A statement from the group said: "Our plan is to turn that piece of land into a large rockery, the centre-piece of which will be a large sign saying Over Hulton."

The land is owned by Peel Holdings, which has given permission for the project to go ahead.

The Over Hulton sign will be designed by pupils at St Andrew's School and the community group is applying for a grant to help with the cost.

The statement added: "There is a lot of work and expense in this project and we are delighted with the support we are being given by staff at Bolton Council.

"In addition to the rockery we have plans to cultivate the field edge next to the cycleway and plant daffodils for the spring and wild flowers for the summer.

"Hopefully each year we will progress another 10 or 20 metres along Salford Road until we have cleared and planted all the way to the entrance to the Cutacre site."

The group is looking for volunteers to help with ground clearance, planning, the grant application, planting or with general ideas.

Anyone interested should contacted John Bullen on 01942 874719 or by emailing j.bullen@ntlworld.com