Weymouth garden helps residents with learning disabilities

A community garden has been created for residents with learning disabilities or dementia.

The Park Community Garden in Weymouth, Dorset, is an accessible space with raised beds, potting tables and benches.

The facility has been created within St John's Gardens by conservation group Litter Free Dorset, which is also creating another garden at Osprey Quay.

The garden was officially launched on Tuesday morning.

Litter Free Dorset said the project had been supported by Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council.

It said it was also collaborating with two groups that work with young adults with learning disabilities - Green Fingers and stABILITY - whose members will tend to the garden and grow vegetables, flowers and herbs for the local community.

Angela Lambert, founder of stABILITY, said "Members will take ownership of an area of the park, plan ahead, work together as a team and improve communication skills." Weymouth mayor Kate Wheller said "Growing fruit and vegetables in a community garden is a wonderful way to get active outdoors, meet people and boost your mental health and wellbeing.

"I am delighted that this project will support the wonderful Green Fingers volunteers to grow even bigger and better veg, and to encourage other groups to come and use this superb resource.

"I look forward to tasting next year's harvest."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].