A BASINGSTOKE charity which encourages young people to grow and eat their own vegetables has opened its third community garden.

The garden, at the back of Kemphott Village Hall, was transformed from a piece of wasteland by volunteers from Inspero, with help from many of the children and teenagers it works with.

Catherine Waters-Clark, chief executive of Inspero, said: “We still have a way to go with the garden – we are waiting for a grant to come through – but we are really pleased with how it is looking so far.”

The mother-of-three said the team had been working on the garden for around eight months before the official opening in June, adding: “The garden will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“It is our third garden and our biggest by far.

“We really want to support young people to learn about food and healthy eating and it is fantastic for them to be able to eat what they have grown.

“I was inspired by my own son, who is a very fussy eater.

“It’s important to learn about food and where it comes from at a young age.”

The garden was opened by Kempshott borough councillor Anne Court, who is also Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, at a fun day which also included food, welly-throwing, a coconut shy, a space hopper race and other games.

Cllr Court, pictured at the official opening, said she was delighted to see the garden come together.

She added: “It looks absolutely fantastic, and I think it is really exciting.

“Catherine and her volunteers have done an incredible job in creating this garden.

“I’ve watched it grow over the last few months from a piece of wasteland to what it is now and it is great to see it finally being opened.”