RESIDENTS and councillors are getting their hands dirty in a bid to make their neighbourhood look more attractive.

The northern approaches development in Mile End, Colchester, is becoming home to 22 new trees including different types of cherry and maple following a £1,243 grant from Essex County Council and fundraising from the Northern Approaches Action Group (NAAG).

Residents and members of Myland Parish Council were on hand at the community garden in Mill Road to plant the first trees, a cherry and an autumn cherry.