Students at a Garston school can now reap the rewards of two years’ hard work after their community growing garden finally opened.

The Francis Combe Academy, in Horseshoe Lane had been working towards opening its own smallholding alongside a nature reserve trail as part of a ten-year plan.

The Taylor Garden – named after Anthony Taylor who worked at the school for nearly four decades – will be used to grow fresh produce while bringing together the community at the same time.

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How the garden looked before the makeover

The school was approached by the McDonald’s restaurant in Garston as part of its “love where you live” campaign, whereby workers go out into the community to help renovate a tired garden or tidy up an area.

Principal Deborah Warwick said: “This is the second phase of our very exciting long-term project, and each improvement will be made in tribute to different staff members who have given so much to the school community over the years.

“I am delighted that McDonald’s of Garston, our local community business, approached us with a view to supporting the local community.

“I wish the project and all the people involved the very best on the day and look forward to seeing the transformation for myself.”

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Parveiz Aslam, science and enrichment teacher at the academy, added: “We hope that local organisations and community members will have an opportunity to plant and tend to the garden as part of our ongoing community project.”

Councillors, academy staff and honorary guests were invited to the opening of the Taylor Garden, touring the new garden, enjoying the summer barbecue and refreshments, and speaking to all those who took part in the project.