Dereham Independence Matters has officially opened a sensory garden at Dereham's community hub, thanks in part to funding from the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham WattsDereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham Watts (Image: Archant)

Susan Copeland, Eastern regional chair of the NGS visited the centre on Monday, September 11, and presented a plaque from the charity.

The centre applied for funding through the NGS Elspeth Thompson Bursary. The opening was attended by volunteers, customers, staff, and their friends and family.

Visitors enjoyed a walk through the garden, which was a riot of colourful dahlias, asters, sunflowers, echinacea, and verbena. The allotment area has runner beans and courgettes, and the garden also has an orchard and woodwork area.

Volunteer for the centre, Jean Walton, said: 'None of this could have been achieved without the dedication and determination of customers, staff, and volunteers, and without a lot of support from our friends and family.

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham WattsDereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham Watts (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham WattsDereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham Watts (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Dereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham WattsDereham community hub sensory garden opening on Monday. Photo: Graham Watts (Image: Archant)