A PROJECT to restore The Spinney in Camborne and create a tranquil area amid the huddle of buildings has been awarded £90,000.

It is the largest grant to date awarded by the Countryside Agency under the "Doorstep Green" initiative.

Rev Bill Stuart White, the rector of Camborne parish church and chairman of The Spinney Action Group, said yesterday: "We are absolutely delighted."

The cash boost will mean that people in Camborne will get their own green area in the middle of the town, which they can use for rest and recreation.

Mr White said: "The Spinney is an area that has been a precious resource which has been uncared for and left scruffy. Now it will be looked after by the community.

"Working with us is the Kehelland Horticultural Society, a charity working with mentally handicapped people, who will look after the green for the first three years, after which time Camborne town council will take over maintenance."

Local teenagers have also been encouraged to say what they want and then get involved with the creation of the doorstep green.

As a result of their requests, and those of residents, The Spinney will have a youth shelter and litter bins and the entrance to the green will be moved away from adjacent houses.

Boundary fences will also be improved, and paths will be realigned to encourage disabled access. Elderly residents will have their own tranquil area, which will also be available for use by visitors to the nearby health centre.

In response to requests from local primary schools, an educational nature trail is also planned, with an art and seating area, native trees and wildlife. Art features are to be designed by local children with the help of a professional artist.

Jo Bird, of the Countryside Agency, said: "There is high unemployment in the Camborne area, which has suffered from the demise of tin mining. The creation of The Spinney Doorstep Green will encourage everyone here to work together to create something better for their community."