Three projects in Oldham are among 31 schemes across Greater Manchester that have received funding that aims to create local green spaces.

As part of the Green Spaces Fund, nearly £800,000 has been awarded to the 31 schemes by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

With at least one project being granted funding in each borough, the fund aims to improve and create more accessible, nature-rich green spaces throughout the region for residents to enjoy.

The first project in Oldham, called Little Green Social Spaces, will look to develop neglected alleyways in the Coldhurst area by turning them into "vibrant green social spaces", allowing residents to take part in planting and environmental initiatives.

The second one, named Grass Roots Oldham Women’s Enterprise (GROWE) Project, will aim to turn a derelict community orchard into a public space used for activities including gardening and habitat creation.

Oldham residents will become connected to nature through the scheme, which will hope to improve people's mental health and wellbeing as well.

GROWE has already redeveloped a derelict site into a gardening space in Failsworth.

The final project in the borough to receive funding is the Garden Gateway to Northern Roots.

The scheme will see the creation of a new garden, seating area, wildlife pond, community orchard and wildflower area at the entrance to the Northern Roots site.

The Green Spaces Fund makes small and large grants available for community groups across Greater Manchester who want to create new spaces or improve existing ones in their local area.

The projects to receive funding are part of the second round of bidding, with two Oldham projects previously gaining funding in the first round.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: "The Green Spaces Fund continues to give communities the support to improve their local areas, in turn helping to make Greater Manchester a greener and fairer place.

"The variety of schemes we’ve been able to support through the second round of the fund really demonstrates the vast benefits that green space can have, from physical and mental health wellbeing to community togetherness and the biodiversity of our city-region."

Applications for the third round of funding will open on March 27, with grants of up to £40,000 available.