A TINY plot of concrete has been turned into an urban oasis to show residents how to make the most of their back yards.

Almost two-square miles of Lancashire are taken up by back yards, with more than 160,000 terrace houses having one.

Now a yard in India Street, Accrington, is being held up as an example of how to make the best use of the small spaces.

Lancashire County Council has teamed up with Myerscough College and housing renewal company Elevate to create the model. Garden design students were invited to submit plans for the 12ftx30ft flagged space.

The finished yard, designed by Alison Wood, of Croston, includes a pond, shed, mini greenhouse, gazebo and benches.

It also contains a vegetable patch that will be used by local community groups.

Kay Horsley, from Lancashire environmental projects team, said: "The biggest concentration of back yards is actually in East Lancashire.

"The project in Accrington shows that the yard can be whatever you make it."

The yard was transformed by Myerscough's Burnley Centre taskforce, made up of students on a vocational training programme.

Funding came from the environmental projects team and Elevate's Constructing The Future project.

Plants were provided by the permaculture project at Offshoots.

The yard is now open for visits. Community groups can also book sessions to practise gardening skills.

To arrange to visit the yard, call 01254 879 356.