Volunteers braved heavy downpours to plant more than 200 trees to create a community remembrance area.

A team of 35 people banded together to plant the 215 trees on an area of land in Littlemoor, near to the Relief Road. Each tree represents a person who has served or lost their life in conflict with connections to the area.

It was organised through the lottery-funded initiative Big4 Littlemoor which is aiming to make lasting improvements to the area over 10 years.

Big4 Littlemoor project officer Gill Patterson said: " We have been overwhelmed with comments from the volunteers saying how wonderful the project is and how much they appreciated what we are trying to achieve.

"The project came about through consultation with local residents who said that they wanted a place where they can remember the fallen – and by working with the local councils this project was born.

"We are going to continue to plant seeds and improve the area by sewing wild flower seeds and we are asking people to come up with a name for the area. So far people have suggested Forever Green Hollow, Green Hollow and Littlemoor Remembrance Park, but we are still open to suggestions.

"We also are working on installing some new seating so people can sit quietly and reflect. This is a wonderful and exciting project that Big4 has planned over the next few months."

The remembrance area project also involved the Dorset Councils Partnership (DCP) and Dorset County Council, all of which have thanked volunteers for offering their spare time to help even during the bad weather.

Julie Hursthouse, community development officer for DCP said: "How wonderful it was to see 35 enthusiastic people, who not only brought along a smile on their face, but a positive attitude also.

"Not one moan or groan was heard when the heavens opened up and we all got soaking wet."

Anyone who would like to dedicate a tree can contact Julie with the information on 01305 838497, or at jhursthouse@dorset.gov.uk