Volunteers will enjoy the fruits of their labour when a new orchard blooms in Highfield. Apple trees and berry bushes were planted on derelict land off Redcliffe Avenue as part of Highfield's £4 million regeneration.

Once the trees grow to maturity they will be able to be picked by residents of the rundown area. Oakbank School helped conservation volunteers carry out the planting as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme activities.

Pupils from St Andrew's Primary School, whose pupils live in the Highfield area, were finishing off the planting this week.

Volunteers from Bradford Environmental Education Service (BEES) have spent the past few weeks clearing the council-owned land.

Now 14 species of apple tree, plum and pear trees, and a hedge of blackcurrant, redcurrant and gooseberry bushes have been planted.

Julia Pearson, a BEES project worker, said the trees would not bear fruit for a few years, and there would be a need for pruning and weeding as they grew.

She hopes that Highfield residents and community groups will eventually take on the management of the orchard.

"We want to encourage them to get involved, and to feel a sense of ownership about the site."

The orchard grew out of the ideas of residents who were asked for their views on what should happen to the derelict land.

Funding for the project came from Highfield Single Regeneration Budget, which is spending £4 million on environmental, housing and community improvements.

BEES, a voluntary organisation, was asked to oversee the planting due to its 17 years of experience in nature projects.

Its current work includes maintaining footpaths while encouraging wildlife in the Worth Valley, at Damems.