RETIRED postmaster Jim Robertson officially opened Mauchline’s new Community Growing Garden on Saturday, May 13.

The garden forms part of Mauchline Community Action Group’s (MCAG) five-year plan for the town.

A spokesman for MCAG said: “The main objective of the Community Growing Garden is to allow anyone in the village, young and not so young, to have the opportunity to grow fruits and vegetables.

“They can also enjoy the fresh air and the produce can be used in the community.”

Located in the grounds of the Scout Hall, adjacent to Mauchline Primary School and the Loan Green Surgery, there are 20 raised beds for growing fruits and vegetables.

Community groups, including Burns Bairns, the Scouts and the Guides, all have their own dedicated space in the garden.

The school and early childhood centre also have their own beds to allow the children to learn about growing their own food.

To ensure everyone in the community can use the garden, two of the raised beds are wheelchair accessible.

A water harvesting system ha been installed and there is a large poly dome, a bit like a greenhouse, that creates a warmer environment for growing.