A BURY-based community group is one of the first in the UK to benefit from a new £30 million government grant scheme.

It will allow residents in Topping Fold and Fairfield to make the most of open spaces in their neighbourhood.

Topping Fold and Fairfield Tenants and Residents' Association has been awarded £25,000 funding under the Living Spaces scheme, launched in May.

The association is implementing the Living Spaces initiative with help from Groundwork Bury Environments for the Community project.

Four unused and overgrown back gardens behind Topping Fold library will be transformed into an attractive focal point for the community. Other improvements planned include a seating and barbecue area, sensory and herb gardens and a separate play area for young children.

Malcolm Hulton, from the association said: "This award will help us create a place where our community, both adults and children alike, can come together to relax and have fun. We will use this grant to help make this garden area a better, more enjoyable place to spend time."

Living Spaces will award grants from £1,000 to £100,000. Apart from the money, trained enablers will help turn bright ideas into reality.

Lucy Burton, Groundwork project officer, said: "The Environments for the Community project has been working with the group for a number of years and we are really pleased now to be able to help them with the creation of this community garden, something they have wanted for a long time.

"We all know how important green and open spaces can be to our health, wealth and well-being."

Designs and landscaping options for the garden will be on display at Topping Fold library, Topping Fold Road, from October 6 until October 10. Local residents can attend between 11am and 2pm to have their say.