A NEW orchard is taking shape in a York park, thanks to volunteers who gathered on Saturday.

Around 20 people went to West Bank Park on Saturday, to help a new orchard “rise from the ashes” of the old park keeper’s lodge.

The building was destroyed in an arson attack last year, and now the Friends of West Bank Park has made a start on a new community orchard around it.

Volunteers helped plant 15 apple trees, all Victorian varieties which might have been grown in the famous Backhouse Nurseries at the park.

The group’s Catherine Heinemeyer thanked volunteers, and funding body Urban Buzz who are backing the project.

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“We were lucky with the weather, and now the forecast is for rain over the next few days which will help the trees get established,” she added.

The group is planning more planting in the wildlife area, more information at www.westbankpark.org