A PENSIONER has spearheaded a makeover of his neighbourhood’s only public garden from an overgrown mess into a community nature hub.

Grant Morrison, 71, from Blackburn, decided to rejuvenate Beverly Gardens in Meadowhead after the council told him it could not afford to maintain and fund a new bench for the land which he discovered had fallen into disrepair.

He collected more than 80 bags of rubbish before using recycled materials to create bird boxes and a seat to encourage more wildlife and residents to use it.

The park, which took him two years to refurbish with the help of a grant, has now been officially opened to the public.

The pensioner now plans to maintain the garden and hopes to work with local schools to plant flowers in time for next spring.

Grant, a former bread delivery man for Morrisons in Chorley said: “I’m glad that I found something to do that gave something back to the community.

“The area had a lack of green spaces for residents so I hope that it will become a little oasis to enjoy.

“It took some time to complete but it was worth it and it’s definitely kept me active.”

Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Kate Hollern said: “Grant is an excellent example of volunteers throughout the borough who work tirelessly to improve their local areas. His work shows complete community spirit and it’s great to see he’s used the money he was awarded to give the gardens a new lease of life for all to enjoy.”

Meadowhead ward councillor Konrad Tapp said: “Grant deserves a medal for his work in the community.”