A villager has launched a campaign to transform a derelict school playground into a community garden.

Residents are being urged to help get the scheme off the ground by attending a meeting in Baildon on Tuesday night.

The project to breathe new life into the former Tong Park Primary School building off Hall Cliffe is being spearheaded by Julia Donoghue who hopes to attract funding to create a 'doorstep green'.

Mrs Donoghue - a veteran of the long-running campaign to stop development on the Jenny Lane playing fields - said: "The Countryside Commission is offering money to communities to develop doorstep greens and it's possible we could apply for that.

"We need to generate interest in the idea and set up a committee to move things forward. Members wouldn't need any expertise, though that would be welcome, just ideas and a willingness to help."

She added: "It's a real shame about that piece of land because it's a site the community could use but has been derelict for years. It would make a super community garden. It's close to the heart of the village and I think it would enhance the value of nearby properties.

"It has walls around it, so it could be locked up at night to prevent vandalism.''

Mrs Donoghue has been involved in campaigns to save the Council-owned former school building and increase recreation facilities in Baildon.

She said she would like the garden to include flower beds, a wildlife section, seating areas and disabled access.

Councillor John Cole (Lib Dem, Baildon) said: "I'd definitely support finding a use for this land and I think a community garden sounds a sensible option.

"Some may say it could attract vandals but you can't go through life doing nothing for fear of what might happen. We've got to be positive.

"But we need people to pitch in with ideas and be prepared to help maintain any garden that is established.''

Baildon Community Council chairman Renee Lancaster said: "A garden would be nice if it is feasible but we need to thrash out what's the best thing for it.''

A spokesman for Bradford Council's asset management department said the suggestion the land be used as a village garden was being investigated.

Tuesday's meeting, at Baildon Community Link's headquarters in Cliffe Avenue, is due to start at 7pm.