A DERELICT section of a park in Bedminster will be transformed into a community garden by the end of summer next year.

The Dame Emily Community Garden project is just one of 20 new projects in the UK supported by funding from high street store Marks & Spencer.

Part of the existing site will be cleared of its hard surface and replaced with trees, plants and seating to offer a quiet area to sit. Members of the local community will be involved in the initial design concept, construction and planting phases as well as maintaining the garden once complete.

Now in its third successful year, the store works with Groundwork to transform local parks and green spaces, using the profit from sales of 5p carrier bags at Marks & Spencer stores.

Richard Gillies, spokesman for the store, said: “We are excited to be supporting and getting involved in the Dame Emily Community Garden project and I know our local employees at our stores in Bristol are looking forward to getting involved with the project.”