A NEWTON Abbot community centre was one of five winning gardening projects to win national funding to revitalise its outside space.

Newton Abbot Centre Association scooped a share of £10,000 in plants and garden care products along with expert help after being chosen to benefit from Blue Diamond Garden Centres competition to support local gardening groups.

The association which runs the Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot was paired with Fermoy’s Garden Centre in Ipplepen, part of the Blue Diamond company.

With the help of the funding and six hours of expert horticultural advice to get started, the centre now boasts an improved outdoor space.

The volunteers behind the charity were able to buy plants for a decorative bath feature, along with herbs, vegetables, and additional plants to brighten other areas of the garden.

They also added bird feeders, bird food, and seasonal flower seeds to encourage wildlife and colour throughout the year.

John Addy, chairman of trustees at Newton Abbot Centre Association said: ‘Newton Abbot Centre Association were delighted to have been selected as a winner of this competition for our new community garden at The Courtenay Centre.

‘The support of an expert and the funding have enabled us to complete our community garden works.

‘The garden is now a space where people can enjoy much needed rest and relaxation.

‘For those looking to learn or use their 'green fingered' skills, there is an opportunity to volunteer to support the maintenance of the garden.

‘By connecting with the various youth activities at The Courtenay Centre, we hope to inspire the younger generation to get involved and develop a love of plants that lasts a lifetime.’

The centre hosts a wide range of local groups and activities, provides space for community events, and is home to a welcoming café offering affordable food. It also runs a community fridge to share surplus food with local residents and organises a variety of support groups and wellbeing activities.