IPSWICH'S People's Community Garden was officially opened at a colourful ceremony at Maidenhall Allotments.

IPSWICH'S People's Community Garden was officially opened at a colourful ceremony at Maidenhall Allotments.

Mayor David Hale was on hand to cut the ribbon and plant the first tree in the orchard off Halifax Road and local gardening celebrity Bob Flowerdew was also there with invited guests, including councillors and other supporters.

The Samboomba Samba Band kicked off the event which was timed to coincide with Apple Day celebrations throughout East Anglia and the rest of the country.

Ric Staines, the garden's project worker, gave expert advice on all aspects of gardening in a talk on permaculture growing and during the afternoon there was a birds of prey display by Hollesley Bay and various children's activities.

The Town and Bridge Project was awarded £82,000 from the Big Lottery Fund in November 2007 after it won the People's Millions Award by public vote to establish a community garden with a difference.

The area is designed to encourage people of all age groups to get involved in 'growing their own' and support people to become more active, eat more healthily and improve their general health and emotional well-being.

For more information about the People's Community Garden contact Susannah Robirosa on 01473 26112 or mobile 07530 407302, or email susannah.robirosa@ipswich-cvs.org.uk.