A Welshpool field is set to be turned into a wildlife garden after the Town Council was awarded a grant to improve the area.

Welshpool Town Council say they will be creating a wildlife garden at Burgess Road recreation area as part of plans to make the town "better for wildlife and for people".

The council has become one of the first organisations in the country to benefit from this year’s Local Places for Nature scheme, having been awarded a new garden package by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.

All the plants, tools and materials for the project are being provided for free by Keep Wales Tidy.

Alison Davies, Mayor said work was set to begin on the site early in September.

"The land that backs onto homes in Brookfield Road and Burgess Croft has caused us concern for some time and we jumped at the opportunity to create a wildlife garden to enjoyed by everyone," she said.

"The grant from 'Local Places for Nature' covers all of the equipment, tools and materials; it is a step towards making Welshpool better for wildlife and people, this will be a place to enjoy wildlife close to home and get involved from the very beginning.

"We will be starting by building and installing the tool shed and some raised beds on 2nd and 3rd September. We are particularly grateful to Keep Wales Tidy for the grant and also for the practical help and guidance that Shane, our KWT project officer will be giving us over the coming months. Please come and join in; we want this to be you the community's garden, not the Town Council’s!"

Last year, more than 500 small gardens across Wales were created, restored and enhanced as part of the 'Local places for nature' scheme, benefitting community groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes from disability charities and youth groups to social enterprises and carer groups.

Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini said:

"Over the twelve months, more people than ever have come to appreciate the value of nature on their doorstep. But urgent action must be taken to give reverse its decline.

"We’re delighted that Welshpool Town Council now has the opportunity to make a real difference through Local Places for Nature. We hope other communities will be inspired to get involved."