Villagers in Potterne dug deep and mucked in to help install a community garden in their village last week.

Local residents joined in with staff from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Aster Housing to prepare the beds for the Food Champions initiative, which teaches horticultural skills and creates growing spaces and orchards throughout Wiltshire and Swindon.

When it is complete, the new garden at Ryeleaze recreation area will incorporate a series of raised beds, a sensory garden, a wildflower area, bug hotels, herb pyramids, seating, outdoor cookery classes and more.

Parish youth worker Steve Dewar said: “By delivering a focused project which shows real value for money, we aim to inspire, engage and enable communities to lead healthier lifestyles.

“The establishment of practical community projects will also significantly improve levels of community cohesion and create foundations for social and environmental resilience.”