A Burley-in-Wharfedale man is hoping his green dream will finally come true next month.

Community Council member Tom Sumner has revealed the date for the official opening of the village green extension.

Mr Sumner has spent months planning an extension to the original village green, opened in 1996, and with a willing team of Saturday morning volunteers, has gradually extended the existing green.

He said: "I am aiming to have the official opening on June 20. That should be quite a day for the village as the village Millennium duck race will also take place on that day."

Mr Sumner added: "I am very pleased with the way the village green extension has developed. A lot of people have given their time to the project and I am just hoping we will have enough funds to really complete the job as I would like it."

As well as the newly laid paths, trees and flowers, Mr Sumner is hoping the bridge across the stream will be a popular feature when completed. He is also hoping to develop a water feature for the green extension.

"So far the community council has spent about £9,000 on the extension, and all this money has been raised through donations."

Community council members have expressed frustration and irritation that they have been unable to secure any Millennium funding for the project. All inquiries have been rejected.

"Further donations would still be appreciated as would continued support from volunteers," said Mr Sumner.

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