AN innovative garden in Fareham, aimed at bringing pleasure to physically disadvantaged people, has won a regional award.

Fareham Borough Council's sensory garden, in Osborn Road, has a garden theme based on touch, sound and vision and was opened a year ago in memory of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Now its success has brought it a Britain in Bloom award for best original initiative in the Southern in Bloom regional section.

The award has brought praise for council staff from councillor Malcolm Harper, chairman of Fareham Borough Council leisure committee.

He said: "This is an outstanding award for the council and reflects the expertise, hard work and sensitivity of leisure department staff."

A trophy will be presented to the council on Wednesday, October 13, at Poole civic centre and will be held by the council until next year.

As part of a horticultural education programme, Matt Wakefield, the council's horticultural officer, is running a workshop on Saturday, October 9, at 10.30am at the garden, followed by bulb planting at noon.

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