AN overgrown pond on an Okehampton housing estate has been restored to its former glory, thanks to a team of hard-working local residents.

With support from West Devon Borough Council, a band of volunteers took on the arduous task of renovating the old water feature in Ranelagh Road in Church Meadow.

The pond was built in the 1980s as part of the planning permission for local housing. It replaced a natural pond with an alternative habitat for breeding frogs, but over the years, the liner started to leak and the site became overgrown.

Residents decided to give the site a makeover and they set to work hacking away at the vegetation, re-lining the pond and reseeding the site.

Brian Eddy, who has been leading the project, said: 'Thanks to all who helped directly, by loaning equipment, or even just making the tea.

'The driving force was Tony Clark without whom we would not have completed this so quickly.

'We are now looking forward to spring and seeing some of the wildlife coming back.'

The borough council, which owns the land where the pond is built, helped to support the residents by providing the pond liner, cutting back some of the shrubs and collecting garden waste.

Borough ward member for Okehampton, Cllr Christine Marsh, said: 'These volunteers are always giving their time to one project or another.

'This has made such a difference to the area. My congratulations and thanks to them, well done.'

Without the voluntary help from the local community the borough council would have had to pay for the whole works and the project would have ultimately cost more for council tax payers. Okehampton Town Council also helped to support the renovation work by organising for the pond weed to be collected by a tractor.

There was an unexpected benefit for Okehampton Primary, as they have been given the pond liner off cuts for use in future pond projects.

It is hoped the rejuvenated pond will now offer an ideal breeding environment for frogs for generations to come.