NATURE lovers are invited to take a stroll around the blooms and shoots in the Twigs Garden to celebrate the arrival of spring.

In the four years since the therapeutic garden project was launched on three acres of land near the Cheney Manor Garden Centre, volunteers and service users have managed to transform the site. The scheme was set up to give people who experience mental health problems the chance to regain confidence and self esteem and learn new skills.

Project manager Alan Holland said: "We have an extensive organic vegetable plot, a plant nursery and some great planting. We have a wide range of perennials and shrubs as well as early spring flowers.

"It is excellent to see people who work here regain their confidence and start to get results and successes, when they might have been faced with failure in their own lives.

"They are able to contribute to an ever-evolving project."

Also on the site is a craft room and a carpentry area where people have the chance to try out different craft activities in a supportive group setting.

Individuals may be referred to Twigs via their Community psychiatric nurse or social worker.

For details about the centre, call Swindon 523294.