A SHELTERED housing scheme for the elderly threatened with closure last year has celebrated the opening of its new garden project.

Residents of Arnison Close in Allendale have helped renovate the new garden area with the help of donations from local businesses.

The sheltered housing scheme received a £500 donation from the Helen Allison Trust and £260 from a raffle, as well as flowers and equipment from the Allendale Co-op and other Tynedale businesses.

Housing officer, Sue Bolam, said: “The project has been a real team effort where everyone has brought their own skills and knowledge to get the garden looking better.

“People living and working in Allendale have all shown their charitableness and generosity.”