Leicester's digital media and arts centre, Phoenix Square, is receiving national recognition for its urban garden development.

The garden, on the patio space next to the Phoenix Café, is part of an initiative to promote self-sustainability and green living in urban areas.

It was awarded an 'It's In Your Neighbourhood' certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society and East Midlands in Bloom for its contribution to community gardening and sustainable living.

Phoenix Square developer Blueprint was responsible for the project, which is nearing its first year.

The project transformed recycled railway sleepers into planters.

Ashley Walters, from Blueprint, said: "After consulting with BBC Radio Leicester's gardening correspondent, Ady Dayman, it was clear this was an ideal location where people could grow fruit and vegetables."

Blueprint is now looking to get children involved to teach them about planting and to prove that it can be done without a conventional garden.

John Coster, editor of Citizenseye, has been influential in keeping the project going by bringing in members of Blaby Rotary Club to lend a hand.

Blueprint and John have formed 'Phoenix Green Fingers', a project that encourages local people, schools and community groups to help tidy up the planters.

Further pop up community garden schemes are being explored for the St George's area. If sponsorship can be raised, Blueprint will be opening up adjoining land at Phoenix Square to create a community garden for a much larger audience.