A COMMUNITY centre in Clacton has unveiled improvements to its project garden thanks to generous shoppers.

The garden at the Coastal Community Centre at Clacton Coastal Academy, in Pathfields Road, has been given an overhaul thanks to cash from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme.

The garden, which includes a pond and garden, is used by support groups for people experiencing mental health or isolation issues.

The works were carried out with the aid of a gardening company JTS, Silverton Aggregates and Clacton Garden Centre.

During the school holidays the area can also be used for family activities, including pond dipping and bird and bug spotting.

Linda Embleton, community support worker, said: “We were fortunate to win funding from the Bags of Help scheme.

“With this money we were able to transform our pond and garden area. We now have a useable garden area for the community to enjoy and relax in a safe tranquil environment. Our resident ducks and wildlife can enjoy the new shrubbery, flowers and rockery.

“We are very grateful to the public for voting for us to enable this project to be completed.”

The Bags of Help scheme gives out grants from the money raised by the sale of carrier bags in Tesco stores across the UK.

The money goes to projects that bring benefit to their community, ranging from improving community buildings and outdoor spaces to buying new equipment, training coaches or volunteers and hosting community events.