The Syresham Pocket Park was opened on Saturday, September 6, by Luke and Megan Knowelden, the children of parish councillor Paul Knowelden who died shortly after starting the project two years ago.

The field had become a target for fly-tipping, and Mr Knowelden's photographs of discarded sofas, old televisions and other waste prompted Northants County Council to give the parish council a grant of £2,500.

That sum was matched by South Northants Council and paid for clearing fly-tipped rubbish, improved access to the field, and fences and gates to prevent further dumping.

County councillor Andrew Grant contributed £6,000 to the project which went towards creating a circular walk around the park and information boards.

Around £700 was also raised by pocket park volunteers during the village Scarecrow Festival and Christmas markets.

Dot Dunkley, chairman of the pocket committee, said the field adjacent to a lay-by was isolated and had suffered regular fly-tipping. When it was cleared, rubbish filled three skips.

Mrs Dunkley added: "Since we opened the park, I've seen a lot of people going down there for a walk. It really is beautiful.

"The Woodland Trust has told us we have some rare buttercups, we've put up bird boxes and someone saw some bats there the other day so we've put up bat boxes in the hope they might start nesting."

Mrs Dunkley said future plans included a dipping pond which could be a resource for local schools.

To find out how to become a park volunteer, call Mrs Dunkley on 01280 850626.