A SENSORY garden has been opened at The Manors Extra Care scheme in Prudhoe.

Residents at The Manors, an assisted living facility which is owned and managed by Karbon Homes, were joined by the local community to officially open the garden on Friday, May 13 and celebrate its first spring blooms.

The official ceremony was carried out by Karbon's Executive Director of Customer Service Jo Ray, Northumberland County Councillor for Prudhoe South, Gordon Stewart, and MP for Hexham, Tynedale and Ponteland, Guy Opperman.

Mr Opperman said: "It's been a long journey getting this garden finished but it's been worth it to see the garden open for the community to enjoy."

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"It's one of the best public spaces I've seen created in a long time, which has been beautifully built by a local Prudhoe team. The finished space has created a great opportunity for the local community to come together which is always fantastic to see."

Hexham Courant: BLOOMING: The new sensory garden at The Manors. Image: Karbon HomesBLOOMING: The new sensory garden at The Manors. Image: Karbon Homes

Containing a special collection of plants and materials, the garden is laid out in a specific way to stimulate the senses of sight, sound, smell, touch and taste.

Funded by Karbon supplier Ideal Boilers, through Karbon's Unlocking Social Value programme, as well as Coun. Gordon Stewart, and health and hygiene company Essity, the garden was designed and brought to life by local company, JIFT Home and Garden Improvements.

Hexham Courant: COMMUNITY: Guy Opperman MP with Councillor Byran Futers, Mayor of Prudhoe, Councillor Gordon Stewart, Colleagues from Karbon Homes, representatives from JIFT Home and Garden Improvements, residents at The Manors and pupils from Adderlane Academy. Image: Karbon HomesCOMMUNITY: Guy Opperman MP with Councillor Byran Futers, Mayor of Prudhoe, Councillor Gordon Stewart, Colleagues from Karbon Homes, representatives from JIFT Home and Garden Improvements, residents at The Manors and pupils from Adderlane Academy. Image: Karbon Homes

Jo Ray, Executive Director of Customer Services at Karbon Homes, said: "I'm delighted to be opening the sensory garden today, a project that I started working with Gordon on before the pandemic.

"It's a great example of how we're able to use the social value commitments of our suppliers and contractors to help build strong, sustainable places for our communities. We're very grateful to all the partners who have helped make this possible."

Pupils from local primary school Adderlane Academy, who helped prepare the garden with an afternoon of planting earlier in the week, also attended the opening.

The sensory garden will be linked with the school's curriculum, acting as an outdoor classroom and hosting a number of intergenerational activities for pupils and residents to enjoy together.