A CHARITY which helps the elderly and disabled with their gardens in Knutsford will be able to cover more of the town after receiving a £10,000 boost from the National Lottery.

Knutsford GROW has received a grant from the BIG Lottery Fund to extend its service into Bexton Ward and Warren Avenue in Knutsford.

It currently provides the service in Over Ward only.

The service is provided by volunteers, some with adult learning difficulties, some with other issues and some from the Knutsford community.

Chairman Neil Forbes said the lottery grant has provided funding to support a year-long pilot project in the new area.

“GROW has being working in parts of Knutsford for more than 12 years,” he said.

“We use a volunteer team of gardeners, but still have to cover our overheads.

“Without funding and support like this we would not be able to expand the service and help the community in line with our strategic plans.”

A new part-time co-ordinator is being sought – the only paid person on the project – to set up the new area from scratch.

Once they are in place they will be extending the service, so if you are or know someone who might benefit or would like to volunteer please visit knutsfordgrow.org.uk, e-mail the group or speak to one of the existing team on 07906 097339.

GROW is also on the look out for volunteer gardeners of all abilities, people to help with administration or to become a trustee.

Volunteering won’t affect any unemployment benefits you may be on and looks good on your CV or university applications.

Neil said: “We ensure that volunteering for GROW benefits our volunteers by providing training and encouragement as well as the residents, who have nicer gardens and are less isolated as a result.”