VOLUNTEERS have helped an Andover garden grow.

Anton Rotary Club, with the financial help of the Rotary Club of Andover, created the garden for Andover Young Carers.

And last month, MP Sir George Young officially opened the grounds, which will further expand when fruit trees are planted in the autumn.

The garden was designed by Donna Hillier and includes play areas for the children with a chess/draught board, hopscotch and sand pits.

Local businesses provided the equipment and materials at cost and Andover residents donated many other pieces.

Already the young carers who attend weekly respite at The Bungalow are enjoying the new area and playing with the games.

Charity executive Sarah Affleck said: “We are very grateful to Anton Rotary Club for all the hard work over the past few weeks, carrying out the hard landscaping work and installing the new games to get the project looking as fabulous as it does.

“Our thanks also goes to The Rotary Club of Andover for providing the funds to purchase the chess/draught pieces and hopscotch.

“A big thank you must go to all the volunteers who have helped throughout the project, which has resulted in a garden full of fun and new senses and experiences for the young carers.”

Andover Young Carers is an independent charity which provides support to those between eight and 18 years old and their families living in the town and the surrounding villages.

For further information about the charity, contact Caroline Hicks at caroline.hicks@andoveryoung carers.org.u