A garden once dubbed "dog poo alley" has been transformed into a community orchard after nearly 50 people joined forces to toil the land.

Since March, volunteers have been digging deep to convert 1,500 square metres of waste ground in Field Gate Lane, Mitcham, into a leisure garden with about 100 fruit trees and bushes.

Julie Hutchinson, of Sustainable Merton, said the former "fly-tipping eyesore" is on its way to becoming a free summer facility "for rest and recreational activities", with decorative climbers, a vegetable patch and rose beds.

The final groundwork was completed on Saturday, with newly-elected Mayor of Merton among about 50 volunteers, who were rewarded with a barbecue and drinks at the end of the day.

Over the past few months, Merton Council, Sustainable Merton and Barratt Homes worked together to clear the site to make it ready for family planting and clean-up events.

Through the revamp, Sustainable Merton aims to educate people about food production and wildlife, by planting a wild flower meadow and growing unusual fruit and vegetables.

Michelle Kolattek, of Sustainable Merton, said: "It used to be known as dog poo alley but they have transformed the area which was horrible into a lovely orchard and garden."

The next Action Day is planned for Saturday, May 30, from 12pm to 4pm, when work will begin on the wild flower garden.

To find out more, visit mitchamorchard.blogspot.co.uk, or email mitchamorchard@gmail.com.