VOLUNTEERS and staff at a Northwich garden are celebrating after Groundwork Cheshire secured a grant of close to £200,000 to enable them to run more sessions.

The grant of £198,243 will enable more people to enjoy the once hidden oasis at Grozone, near Vickersway Park, over the next two years.

The money, which has been secured after Groundwork Cheshire applied for a grant from The Big Lottery Fund, will pay for extra staff to be on hand five days a week to support groups and individuals through a programme of social and horticultural therapy.

Grozone project manager Andy Martin said: “Grozone continues to go from strength to strength.

“We are delighted to have secured Grozone’s future and very grateful to The Big Lottery Fund.

“The money will enable many more people to enjoy and benefit from the garden.”

Grozone aims to provide a safe, welcoming outdoor community space that will encourage the local community to interact with one another and to join in with activities that can include growing food, learning about nutrition and health and receiving training and education on new skills.

It receives no regular financial support and survives purely on external grant funding and self-generated income.

Andy added: “We will be recruiting staff to help us deliver the project, so if you feel that you have something to offer, please get in touch.”

Anyone who would like to visit Grozone, or would like to get involved with the project, contact Groundwork Cheshire on 01606 723160 or email info@groundworkcheshire.org.uk