The Living Spaces scheme has given thousands of people the opportunity to revitalise open spaces in their community, and this week minister Baroness Andrews visited a community park in Southampton, the 600th community space to be transformed.

The equivalent of more than one project a day has been completed since the scheme began, ranging from a sensory garden in Wiltshire, to a community green in Middlesbrough, and a skate park in Hampshire.

Last year, more than £12.5 million was given out to local communities, with the equivalent of two community gardens a week and two skate parks a month, being created or improved.

Baroness Andrews said: "The pace of change has been impressive with the equivalent of one project a day being completed, showing just how effective local action is in driving forward change."

"Whether it's a new skate park for youngsters or a community garden, Living Spaces is making a real difference to the local environment and people's quality of life. At the same time, it is encouraging people to take pride in where they live, helping to create a sustainable future for all."

Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Groundwork, the environmental charity which manages the Living Spaces scheme said: "Nearly twenty five years of working with communities has shown us that people have lots of great ideas but sometimes lack the know-how to turn them into reality."

"Living Spaces bridges that gap, providing the support to help local residents get involved in improving their neighbourhoods."

"Now more and more of these projects are coming to an end we can see what a legacy the programme is leaving - hundreds of groups, creating valuable community spaces from woodlands to wildlife areas and play areas to pocket parks."