THE oldest public space in Stourbridge is now a protected place for future generations thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers.

Greenfield Gardens, which joins Heath Street and Greenfield Avenue, has become a protected green space after the Friends of Greenfield Gardens contacted Fields in Trust which works with local authorities, voluntary organisations and private landowners to enable land to be protected for future generations through a Deed of Dedication.

Simon Beckett, spokesman for the Friends group, said: "We cannot thank both Dudley Council and Fields in Trust enough for their support in this matter.

"It means the gardens are now protected and people will be able to enjoy them for years to come."

The Friends group was founded in late 2016 to work to preserve the gardens, which were originally known as the Promenade Gardens.

As well as regular clean-up sessions in the park, they have hosted several events each year to bring the community together including Easter egg hunts, summer picnics, Christmas carols and plant sales.

To find out more about the Friends group check out greenfieldgardens.co.uk or facebook.com/Friends-of-Greenfield-Gardens-628881340629624/.

Fields in Trust champions and supports parks and green spaces by protecting them for people to enjoy in perpetuity. To find out more check out fieldsintrust.org.