GREEN-fingered youngsters got their hands dirty to prepare a retirement and assisted living facility's new sensory garden ready for opening.

A reception class from Adderlane Academy paid a visit to The Manors retirement and assisted living facility in Prudhoe.

Emma Potts, headteacher of the academy, said: "Our Reception children visited their friends at The Manors to get some jobs done in preparation for the opening ceremony of the Sensory Garden on Friday.

"They did some weeding and planted lots of lovely cheerful marigolds. We really enjoyed getting our hands dirty and look forward to visiting the Sensory Garden when we visit The Manors for our craft sessions."

Tracy McKie, assistant scheme co-ordinator at The Manors, which is owned and managed by Karbon Homes, said: "We absolutely love having the pupils from Adderlane Academy visit us, and having all those extra pairs of hands to help get our sensory garden ready for spring was fantastic."

Tracy explained a sensory garden is full of plants that can be seen, tasted, touched, smelled and make sound.

"The pupils also spent a bit of time with our residents which always makes for a lovely morning," she said. "Our partnership with Adderlane Academy is one we value and has really helped bridge the gap between the different generations living in the community. Helping build strong, sustainable communities is an important element of Karbon's mission."