GREEN fingered volunteers are turning an "eyesore" into a community herb garden.

Epping in Bloom members are busy digging, weeding and planting to make the pick-your-own garden outside Marks and Spencer, High Street, Epping.

A bay tree will also be planted as well as rosemary, thyme and sage plants.

Epping in Bloom chairman Victoria Robertson said: "I would like to give a very big thank you to the Epping in Bloom team and all the councillors and residents that gave us a helping hand to begin the market garden transformation.

"We had a brilliant response from passers-by who donated money and plants and a big thank you must go to M&S for providing us with drinks and snacks.

"There are lots more creative and exciting new planting areas to come along with the pathway and seating so that everyone can enjoy the garden."

Volunteers were joined by Epping Town Mayor Les Burrows and his wife, Carol, deputy town Mayor Tony Church, town councillors Barbara Scruton, Michael Wright and Daniel Spillman and clerk Beverley Rumsey.

Cllr Les Burrows said: "The town council would like to thank the Epping in Bloom group for coming forward with the idea of transforming the market garden area, which has become an eyesore.

"It is alongside a well-used path between the car parks and the High Street and it will great when it is tidied up and flourishing with herbs and other plants."

The Epping in Bloom group is appealing for sponsors to help cover the cost of the work.

All sponsors will be recognised on a plaque at the community garden.