A COMMUNITY has come together to improve the public areas of a North Yorkshire village, making it even more attractive to people and wildlife.

With support from Broadacres Housing Association, a new mini wildflower orchard has been created at the entrance to Beech Close in Great Ayton.

Staff from the Association joined the Brighten Up Great Ayton group, the community interest company Moors Sustainable and the Parish Council to plant apple and plum trees, as well as wildflowers which will attract pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies and beetles.

In just a few hours, the volunteers had transformed a grassed area into a picturesque spot for villagers to enjoy.

Gill Davies, Broadacres’ Community involvement officer, said: “We have homes in Beech Close, as well as other parts of Great Ayton, so when we heard about the improvements the community was making to public areas, we were keen to provide our support.

“Broadacres donated £250 as part of our 25 great things initiative celebrating our 25 years as a housing association, and staff also donated their time to help plant the trees and wildflowers.

“We have also made a commitment to maintaining the orchard in the future, freeing up the community to concentrate on further initiatives.”

Parish councillor Angela Taylor added: “The community has been working hard to improve the public areas in the village and this is a great addition."