New gardening centre opened in Wales

A new horticultural centre has been opened in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales, to help support people with learning disabilities.

The centre was opened by BBC Radio2 gardening expert Terry Walton after a £150,184 grant from the Big Lottery Fund in 2005 helped fund construction.

The organisation behind the centre is called Drive and Mr Walton praised the work it is doing.

"Projects of this kind are close to my heart and Ive always promoted the health benefits of eating organically grown produce and keeping fit by gardening," he said.

Big Lottery Fund grant officer Janet Thickpenny was also pleased to see such a worthy cause succeeding.

"This is a wonderful resource for the community and for anyone who would like to come and experience the project," she said.

"Its great to be able to fund projects that make such a difference to the lives of many people in communities across Wales.

"Groups such as this one are making huge strides in helping people and Im delighted that this award will help them continue to do so for years to come."