It is an oasis beloved of dog walkers and those looking to escape the bustle of town.

Surrey Comet:

Pic: Holly Shaw

The Alexandra Millenium Green, tucked away in the Tolworth-Berrylands nexus, was given into the care of a group of trustees in the 1990s after plans to sell it for development were averted.

Planning permission was granted for the site's transformation in 2000. Now trustees hope to usher in a new era of community involvement, putting on events and encouraging people to use the green.

Committee member Carol Gwilliams praised the work of founding trustees like Tony Trinkwon and Roy Rathbone in helping create the green.

She said: "If it wasn't for all their hard work and dedication in the first place we wouldn't be here. They've done a fantastic job turning scrub, waste land into a delightful park. Dog walkers use it all the time.

"A lot of us started thinking rather big, thinking about events we could hold. We've all got different skill sets.

"We're building links with Surbiton Wildlife Group. They've got a very strong community there."

Sara Bridgeman said: "We want to start getting people involved in the green. There's always bit and pieces that need doing."

The first event will be a fun dog show, to be held on Saturday, September 5, from 12.30pm, she said.

Alexandra ward councillor Chris Hayes said: "It's a great example of a community group actually owning something and making a real difference to that community, local wildlife and residents. We need to protect our green spaces."