A DERELICT patch of land in Breightmet has been turned into a haven for the community.

Residents in East Bolton, The Wildlife Trust and Bolton At Home pulled together to turn the land, which was regularly used by flytippers, into a community project, now called the Red Lane Community Garden.

The groups got together two years ago and transformed the garden during the last six months.

And they celebrated their hard work yesterday with a free open day for the whole family.

Rain did not deter families from joining in the tombola, face painting, willow weaving and bulb planting.

The garden is used by residents and environmental groups to grow food, flowers and fruit. The site has also been designed to provide areas for informal recreation, zones for wildlife and a place for groups to meet and share ideas.

It has been funded by the BTCV People Places Award, Awards for All Lottery money and Greening Greater Manchester Landfill Tax.

In time it is hoped that a small-scale community nursery will develop where local people will be able to purchase garden plants and also learn about horticulture through a programme of training events. These local enterprises and training will also include local school and youth groups.

The project will be run by Bright Meadows Community Gardens Group, with the assistance of Lancashire Wildlife Trust. A regular weekly horticulture session will run on the site from the end of this month.

For more information, call Paul Sadler on 01204 361847.