An army of green-fingered volunteers armed themselves with spades and wellies to create an environmental haven in Thorpe Bay.

Young and old dug deep in Bournes Green Chase to create a green corridor by planting young trees and native wildflowers in abundance.

Wildlife and environmental groups teamed up with members of Shoebury and Thorpe Bay residents association to try to improve the environment and encourage wildlife in the area.

The scheme is funded by Cory Environmental Trust.

Paul Terry, Southend Council's environmental officer, said: "We are very pleased to receive funding to extend the area planted last year and would like to thank Cory for supporting the creation of this wildlife habitat.

"The volunteers have once again done an excellent job."

Digging in - the volunteers are ready for work on the environmental haven

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.