CHRISTMAS came early for one Highworth charity with a donation of £1,300 of new tools.

Root and Branch uses gardening, woodworking and crafts to support adults with mental health difficulties.

The new kit was purchased on behalf of the charity by the Highworth Lions. The organisation last year donated £29,000 to charities and good causes in Highworth and the surrounding area. The tools will enable Root and Branch to continue to offer ‘green’ woodworking courses to the adults they support.

Stephen Coombs, woodworking coach at Root and Branch, said: “Everyone was thinking that it was Christmas, with some frenetic unwrapping of all the fabulous new green woodworking tools.

“These items will last for the next 30 years. It’s a gift that will give again and again.

Green woodworking was proving to be incredibly popular among the adults that Root and Branch support, Stephen said.

“Green woodworking has proven to be an extremely therapeutic activity.”

“[Our users] find that it makes them feel at peace and at one with nature.”

Rosemary Jackson from Highworth Lions said: “We felt that Root and Branch really deserved the donation. It does a really good job for everyone in the community.”

More about Root and Branch: rootandbranch.info.