A community garden received a cheque for £1,000 as it welcomed the high sheriff of Wiltshire for a presentation last weekend.

On Saturday, September 7, the GAP Community Garden hosted Dr Olivia Chapple and councillors for a grant presentation by South Swindon Parish Council.

The GAP was one of several groups to receive a grant from the parish’s community support.

Councillors Mike Davies and Marianne Le Coyte Grinney of Liden, Eldene and Park South presented the GAP with the cheque.

The chair and founder of the GAP, Matthew French, said: "We’re incredibly grateful for this grant that will go towards sustaining the site, improving its accessibility and infrastructure."

Dr Chapple, visited the community garden as part of her themed initiatives during her 2024-2025 term.

Throughout the year, the high sheriff will focus on charities involved with connecting people with nature.

Her visit to the GAP links with her charity, Horatio’s Garden, which now has seven projects across the UK helping to improve the lives of people facing life-changing spinal injuries.

The GAP is a community garden for any age or ability. Supervised children are welcome to learn about nature, growing plants, vegetables and flowers, and it also offers free grown produce.