People from across Bradford who supported a Thornton family who suffered a campaign of racist abuse and attacks have transformed the family’s garden.

The Bi family suffered weeks of abuse at the hands of thugs who daubed graffiti and smashed windows at their home.

So sickened were members of the community that they came together in conjunction with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team to show their solidarity with the Bis.

One man, Derek Hawkins, a self-employed gardener from Bingley, gave his time to do up the garden using materials donated by Arnold Laver and Tong Garden Centre.

Speaking at the start of the project, Mr Hawkins said: “When I saw the story in the Telegraph & Argus I was disgusted to see what had happened.

“Mrs Bi said she would stand up to these thugs and not be a victim. I thought ‘why should she stand on her own?’ We should be standing with her.

“I just want to do something by way of apologising for what these thugs put them through.”

The project, which included a fence round the garden and the planting of flowers donated by the garden centre, has now been finished.

Mrs Imtiaz Bi said she was touched by the generosity of so many people.

She said: “The garden looks fantastic. Everyone has put so much effort in. I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support especially Derek and Janet who carried out the work and Arnold Laver and Tong Garden Centre who provided the materials.

“I would also like to thank the Neighbourhood Policing Team, especially Inspector Andy Berriman who organised all of this out of the blue, and for their continued support and making sure we are okay.”

Since Mrs Bi bravely spoke out, the situation has calmed significantly. She said: “I hope this, and the fantastic show of support from the community, will encourage other people who might be suffering in the same way. You don’t have to stay behind closed doors.”