Cradley residents have scooped £1k funding which they have splashed out on equipment to spruce up the area.

Cradley Residents' Association was given the cash sum by Dudley Council through its community forums' funding.

The group, which is run by volunteers, has purchased equipment including strimmers, garden cutters and a chainsaw and hopes to improve the area enough to kick off Cradley in Bloom in 2020.

Chris Legiewicz, chairman of Cradley Residents' Association: "We got together to transform Cradley, to make it a better place.

"You have got to love where you live.

"We do need more people to help and would like anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch."

The group has already planted bulbs to come up in spring at the junction of Colley Lane and Colley Gate and aims to tidy alleyways and verges as well as staging litter picks.

Councillor Qadar Zada, leader of Dudley Council, said: "There are so many great community groups within Dudley borough and our ten forums have a pot of money to support their ideas and projects to improve the local area.

"We're delighted to be able to support groups, such as Cradley Residents Association, through the forums with grants such as this, so they can continue their valuable work in the community.

"For information on how to apply for grants of up to £5,000 email community.forums@dudley.gov.uk."

Anyone interested in joining Cradley Resident's Association should visit its Facebook page.