A GROUP of students who helped to create a garden at a Basingstoke sheltered housing scheme went back to see how it had grown.

The five students from Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College , in Wessex Close, Basingstoke, and The Hurst Community College , in Brimpton Road, Baughurst, took a trip to John Eddie Court, in South Ham, to see their garden looking lovely in full bloom.

The pupils were part of a larger group from Basingstoke secondary schools who participated in the National Takeover Day last year, when they had the chance to experience real work for a day with Sovereign Housing Association.

The Remembrance Garden was created on Remembrance Day last year. It was designed by two young people and planted by 14 students.

Residents at John Eddie Court were presented with a bird table and a commemorative plaque by the students.

The bird table, made from recycled wood, was created by people with mental health illnesses at the Pathway Workshop, in Oxford.

Barbara Dunne, community investment officer at Sovereign, said: “In November 2011, after the children and residents had finished planting, I asked if they would all like to come together again to see how the garden was doing after the efforts that they had made on the day.

“I thought it was important to follow this through.

“The bird table was very well received and we all enjoyed the time we spent together and reminiscing about their previous visit whilst having afternoon tea.”

The two students who originally designed the flower bed have offered to return one weekend soon to weed the Remembrance Garden for the residents.