Work has begun on a community roof garden above Hammersmith's Lyric Theatre which will become an urban oasis for the public.

The first floor of the theatre, off King Street, will be transformed into a jungle of plants with seating, lighting and a performance space.

The roof garden, overlooking Lyric Square will be completed by the end of February will be open to the general public as well as theatre audiences.

"The Lyric terrace will provide a green and oxygen-giving space for everyone in Hammersmith to enjoy, both in the days and in the evening," said Lyric executive director Jessica Hepburn.

The materials used to create the garden will be environmentally sustainable and the finished space will provide wildlife habitat and help absorb traffic fumes.

The garden, which is mainly funded by businesses through the not-for-profit company HammersmithLondon, will also absorb heavy rain to help prevent flooding.

Environmental charity Groundwork has been commissioned by the theatre and HammersmithLondon to build the green space.

Ms Hepburn added: "It's fantastic to be working with HammersmithLondon and Groundwork. It's part of our commitment to making Hammersmith a fantastic place to live, work and relax as well as providing a great night out for theatre goers."

The roof garden is part of the first wave of 'greener living spaces' to be funded by Marks and Spencer's 5p charge for plastic bags, introduced to encourage customers to reduce the amount they use.

All profit from the charge goes to Groundwork to invest in spaces like the garden.

Carbon dioxide absorption is another benefit of the garden, said Lyric spokeswoman Jenny Paton.

"The design will support and strengthen the theatre's artistic vision by being contemporary and architecturally exciting, complementing the Lyric's modern, eclectic artistic programme," she added.