A NEGLECTED garden that hides the remains of a Roman Fort has attracted a major cash windfall to boost its restoration.

The Derwent Riverside Project has secured £90,558 through the Yorventure Challenge Fund, funded by North Yorkshire-based waste management company Yorwaste Ltd.

The grant will help pay for the transformation of the Castle Garden, a five-acre site in the centre of Malton.

Hidden for years behind high walls, it will be turned into an area of natural parkland with seating, pathways and shrub borders.

The garden area is classed as a scheduled ancient monument of national significance, as there are remains of a Roman Fort, Malton Castle and a Jacobean Prodigy House under the ground.

In recognition of ten years of funding projects through the Landfill Communities fund, £100,000 was put aside for an exceptional project which successfully combined environmental improvements or conservation and also youth involvement.

Project secretary Di Keal, pictured, said: "We are thrilled to bits that Yorventure is backing the garden with such a significant grant, which is a testimony to the value of the project to our community.

"It has been hard work and a long haul to reach to this stage and it will be fantastic to see a project that we have been putting together for so long at last becoming a reality."

The new-look gardens, including the gateways and paths, will be accessible for wheelchair users.

Plans include tree planting, a woodland walk and wild grassed area, together with more closely mown grass with under planting of bulbs.

Picnic tables and benches will encourage a relaxed use of the area and interpretation boards will provide information about the historical significance of the site in relation to the surrounding area.

Norton Wildlife Watch - a group of junior members of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust - will be supporting the committee in carrying out conservation work.

They will also help with planting, making bird and bat boxes, species surveys, organising craft and countryside events.

Di added: "The project group would also like to thank Ryedale District Council for match-funding the grant and for the support we have gained from the authority including backing for the restoration of long neglected walls.

"Work is due to start as soon as possible and the new park is intended to fill the gap we have in provision of public open space in the town and to provide a magical place to walk in and take time out."

John Miller, of Yorwaste Ltd, said: "Yorwaste is extremely proud to be able to help with this project. It's great the Castle Garden has benefited from the fund."

The site has previously featured on Channel 4, when Time Team visited Malton and excavated a section of the area.