Volunteers sought to spruce up public garden

A public garden that has been serving its community for almost 30 years needs new volunteers.

The Rainbow Community Garden in Levisham Close, Hull, grows vegetables and undertakes gardening projects, as well as offering a place of tranquility for those that seek it.

Emma Jenkins, the assistant gardener, said: "The volunteers we have got do a great job but we always need more. You don't need a fantastic skill set."

The group currently has about 14 volunteers and is mainly looking for younger people to help with tasks such as weeding and general maintenance.

Jenkins said the garden is "open for everyone" and it has received various pots of funding over the years since it was established in 1998.

The area includes accessible raised beds, a mini allotment plot, an orchard and communal area where bands have performed.

Food grown at the site includes strawberries, blueberries, potatoes and onions, which are handed out to the volunteers.

Jenkins said some people come to the garden with the "world on their shoulders" and leave feeling better due to the tranquil surroundings and sense of community.

She said: "It's a good place to be. You can just lose yourself in the surroundings you're in."

The group also runs an after-school club on Tuesdays during term-time from 16:00 to 17:00 BST, where children can learn to grow different vegetables.

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