A POLICE officer has inspired the residents of a housing estate in Lea, near Ross-on-Wye, to 'do-it-themselves' and give their gardens a brand new makeover.

And their efforts have been given the once-over by a world-famous expert.

PC John Cooper, who has been a beat bobby for 20 years, devised a competition to get local people directly involved in improving the area in which they live.

Rudhall View, which has 40 properties, has a problem with inadequate and remote facilities, leading to dumping of cars and rubbish, such as old cars and mattresses.

Now, thanks to PC Cooper and with huge support from Gloucester Housing Association and local companies, the people of Rudhall View have the opportunity to help themselves and give their estate a new look.

"When I visited Rudhall View and discussed the possibility of a competition, 80 per cent of residents were keen to become involved," said PC Cooper.

Gloucester Housing Association, which owns the estate, wholly supported the competition and put their money where their mouth is by providing money for prizes.

A skip was provided by Wye Valley Skips free of charge, filled on the first day of its arrival!

The gardens were judged by Sir Roy Strong, ex-director general of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and himself a world-famous gardener who lives in the county.