Boris Johnson proved he isn't afraid of dirty work as he got stuck into a spot of gardening, opening a new public green space in Uxbridge alongside Year 4 schoolchildren.

The Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP officially opened Aviva Investors’ Friends Garden, Belmont Road, to the public on Friday (April 22) after the space received a revamp.

The opening was marked by a ceremony where Boris and Year 4 pupils from Hermitage Primary school in Belmont Road, planted Lavender, Rosemary and Helichrysum along the borders of the newly landscaped garden.

The public appearance came in the same week the Mayor was accused of racism after 'part-Kenyan' comments made about President Obama and activist dads were 'banned from being within 100m' of him after climbing his balcony .

As well as meeting the Mayor of London, the children enjoyed a talk and tour of the garden by the landscape architect of Friends Garden, John Haxworth of Barton Willmore.

Mr Johnson said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to open Aviva Investors’ Friends Garden in Belmont Road.

“I know the garden will prove to be a fantastic addition to Uxbridge, and a welcome spot for local residents to spend time in contemplation and relaxation.”

Described by staff as a “natural with the children”, the MP didn't mind getting stuck in with the planting and helping take out stubborn plants that didn’t want to be parted with their pots.

Aviva Investors, acting on behalf of Aviva Life & Pensions (UK) Ltd, gained permission from Hillingdon Council to re-landscape the garden last year.

£30m town centre investment

It is located beside Belmont, Aviva Investors’ 125,000 sq ft, Grade A £30 million town centre redevelopment office scheme , which is scheduled for completion in December 2016 .

It is hoped that the gardens will be enjoyed by local residents, shoppers and town centre workers alike.

Julian Cobourne of Aviva Investors said: “The re-development of the Belmont office scheme, beside Friends Garden, gave us the opportunity to re-landscape the space and give it a new lease of life.

“We were delighted to welcome Boris Johnson MP, who joined the pupils in doing a great job planting at the opening ceremony of the garden.

“I am certain the children will be keeping a keen eye on the growing plants as they travel to and from school.”

The landscaping of this under-used space has transformed it into a friendly and attractive garden to be enjoyed by the local community and all visitors to the Uxbridge area, says Aviva.

The existing mature trees, create an atmospheric setting for a verdant bed of shade loving ferns and, in addition to new benches, paved area and accessible lawn, make it a community garden to relax and to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Barton Wilmore oversaw the landscape design of the space.