RESIDENTS, councillors and community workers gathered together to mark the tenth anniversary of the regeneration of a once-troubled York estate.

In 1994, a ground-breaking agreement was set up in Bell Farm to bring together service providers and raise the quality of life for householders.

Among the attendees was York MP Hugh Bayley who praised the estate as an example of communities working together to make life better for everyone.

He was joined by Rita Laverack, who has the longest-running tenancy on the estate, who opened the event and gave a short speech.

Members of York Police, City of York Council, civic representatives and the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Looker, were also present.

Mr Bayley said: "Bell Farm used to be York's worst problem estate, but the regeneration ten years ago changed it out of all recognition and the estate agreement has made the improvements last.

"Saturday's celebration marks the success of everyone involved in the Bell Farm Estate Agreement."

Updated: 10:19 Monday, September 13, 2004