Witham's mayor has launched a new green space at a leisure centre.
Susan Ager opened the new community garden at Witham Leisure Centre, in Spinks Lane.
Fusion Lifestyle, which runs the leisure centre and works with Braintree Council, invited the public along to the grand opening.
The volunteer-led green space aims to help combat social isolation.
The garden was one of 14 successful projects announced by Braintree Council to benefit from a special fund for community gardens and open spaces.
The funding is part of the Government's 'levelling up' agenda.
Witham Leisure Centre's Richard Moss said: “We are so proud of our volunteer programme, which we know delivers huge benefits to the local community.
“Our team have worked hard to make the community garden project such a success and we know from feedback that it provides a wonderful safe space for important down-time for our community friends.”
The space has a pond and a fairy trail for younger visitors.
It is hoped the community garden will run workshops around healthy eating and food preparation on a budget.
Mary Cunningham, stronger communities boss at Braintree Council said: “We are delighted to see the opening of this community space.”
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