Green fingers have brightened up schools and care homes in the North East, thanks to some local students and a donation from a DIY store.

Students at Darlington College dug in to help out children and elderly residents improve their outdoor spaces, using equipment provided by Wickes.

The 200 amateur gardeners participated in the project as part of the Council for Voluntary Service’s Make a Difference Day. Wickes became involved after the college requested equipment from their local store.

Michael Rowntree, manager of Darlington’s Wickes said: “I think the project was excellent, especially helping out our older residents and young children, and we were really pleased to get involved.”

Construction students also took part in the project, building planters for care homes and schools without large outdoor spaces.

Tracy Hawthorn, assistant director at the college, said: “Make a Difference Day is a great chance for our students to try something different and get hands-on with their local community.”