A CHARITY which helps to look after the gardens of Knutsford’s disabled and elderly residents is expanding thanks to a grant from the National Lottery.

Knutsford GROW has announced it has received £10,000 from the BIG Lottery Fund to extend its service into Bexton Ward and Warren Avenue in Knutsford in a project called ‘GROW More’.

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

The BIG Lottery Fund has provided funding to support a year-long pilot project in the new area.

The charity provides a garden maintenance service to elderly and disabled residents of Knutsford using the skills and enthusiasm of volunteers from a range of ages and abilities, including young people with learning disabilities.

The charity has appointed a project co-ordinator – Anne Roberts – who is looking for volunteers as well as people in the area who would like help maintaining their gardens.

“I spent some time last week with one of the current groups of volunteers, which included three young men from Pettypool College as well as an older volunteer who happens to be a tree surgeon,” she said.

“We all watched in awe as Roy pulled out his ladder and chainsaw and reduced a tree by half its height.

“When I asked the boys what they thought of the day’s work and one of them shouted out ‘Roy is a legend’– I couldn’t put it better myself.”

If you want to get out of the house or get some experience with like-minded people who enjoy gardening please get in touch.

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

To volunteer visit knutsfordgrow.org.uk or speak to Anne on 07763 009412.