A CHARITY has opened a garden to benefit its clients and the wider community.

ARC (formally Taunton Association for the Homeless) has opened the garden near Lisieux Way Methodist Church, Taunton.

The garden has opened with support from Somerset Wildlife Trust and Summerdale Design.

ARC's residents will be working to maintain the garden alongside other volunteers.

The garden was officially opened at an event on June 12.

Tony Francis, learning and development manager for ARC, said: “It’s fantastic to see the garden now realising its potential, with help from Somerset Wildlife Trust and Summerdale Designs.

"We've brought together volunteers from the local community to work alongside Arc’s residents, it's also now fulfilling its aim of becoming a place of learning in areas such as: wildlife gardening and gardening for therapy all of which has really benefits our clients.

"We expect this to develop over the coming years. The space is open to all that would like to get involved.

"It’s amazing to see what can be achieved through people kindly volunteering their time, expertise and energy.”