SOUTHAMPTON'S butterflies have a new place to flutter thanks to a scheme aimed at creating the perfect environment for the delicate creatures.

After more than six months of back-breaking clearing and improvement works, a new walk through an area of Weston shoreside has been opened to bring the insects back to the city.

It has taken six months to complete and has involved a cross-section of the local community clearing scrubland, opening up access paths and creating glens to attract the butterflies back.

The walk, by Jurd's Lake - part of the Shorburs and Westwood Greenways - has been designed as part of the city's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The route, which was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mary Fagan, and the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Brian Parnell, has been named after the late Queen Mother.

Works have ranged from a group of accountants helping construct steps up a steep slope, rhododendron clearance with the assistance of the community service.

Local schools have also been involved in the planning and presentation with Weston Park Infant School due to plant heather and daisy plants along the walk later next month.

Councillor Richard Williams, said: "This is what the jubilee is all about."