FOUR years ago, a woman came from Australia to Bolton to visit a relative's grave.

But when she arrived at Edgworth Methodist Church on Bolton Road, the churchyard was so overgrown, she could not find the grave anywhere.

Spurred on by the woman's concerns, a group of church-goers got together and the graveyard has been transformed. They have replaced the 10 foot high weeds and brambles with allotments, gardens, flowers and a seating area.

A £10,000 grant from the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers meant a group of volunteers, who had formed their own committee, could start work on the churchyard in June.

Rev David Hamflett, who has been at the church for four years, said: "The graves were just covered in weeds and you could not see the row of houses at the back because the weeds were so high.

"We have cut all those back and the residents are very pleased that they now have a view. The school backs on to the church but you couldn't see that before either."

The committee has made paths wide enough for wheelchairs and two allotments now have wheelchair access and raised plots.

There is also a bench, which was bought through donations in memory of Dorothy Dawson, a regular at the church, who died in 2000.

Volunteer Brenda Hill, of Bolton Road, said: "It is even better than we had dreamed of and we have had great fun doing it, even though it has been hard work. It has really brought people together and people who don't come to the church have been down to help.

"The lady who came from Australia did us a real favour!"

Edgworth councillor Jean Rigby, who was instrumental in the project with her advice, will be officially opening the new churchyard on Saturday, August 28.