A CELEBRATION has taken place to mark the upgrading and reopening of a community garden.

Thurrock Council teams and services joined participants in the Prince's Trust, and local volunteers and residents to reopen Headon Hall garden in Grays following a community project to transform the area

Over a period of two weeks, young people from the Prince's Trust helped to dig out and replace flower beds, using recycle donated tyres to build planters for growing herbs and vegetables, alongside upgrading garden benches and raising money to purchase additional garden furniture for the area.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Sue Little joined those supporting the project at Headon Hall to celebrate the work as the garden is returned to the Headon Hall's gardening club.

Cllr Little said, "It was great to visit Headon Hall and see first-hand the hard work our young people have put into giving new life to this garden, and congratulating those involved in the restoration.

"It's the hard work and dedication of our local people, who came together to fulfil a vision for nurturing this area back to top form, that is most humbling. It perfectly captures the ethos that summarises the Thurrock community spirit.

"Thank you to everyone who gave their time to this great cause, and the local businesses who contributed resources to help bring the transformation to life – I'm sure it will be enjoyed by sheltered housing residents and the groups who use Headon Hall for many years to come."