INJURED trainees are seeing the green shoots of recovery thanks to an innovative project which uses horticulture as therapy.

And trainees from Finchale College, Durham, proved to be so green-fingered that their efforts secured them a top award at one of the country's most prestigious shows.

Judges awarded the Silver Gilt accolade for an impressive college display, called Waste Not Want Not, at the recent Harrogate Spring Flower Show.

The award was the latest in a string of successes as the horticultural project goes from strength to strength.

But equally important is the impact the initiative is having on the lives of trainees, many of who have had to overcome major health issues.

Finchale College is a specialist vocational college offering employment focussed training and support for unemployed adults with a range of physical, mental and medical health issues. Programmes are customised to address individual needs and bring together a wide range of specialist support to achieve employment.

Horticultural instructor at Finchale College Gary Hillery said: "I was delighted to win the award but more so for the trainees who had worked so hard to produce an amazing show garden.

"It gave them all a real boost to see and hear the public's reaction to what they had actually created themselves; it was a fantastic team effort and experience for them."

The Waste Not Want Not garden showcased the use of materials that would usually be thrown away. The design included a range of materials, such as pallets, wine bottles and tiles, formed into structures to create an attractive environment. It also included a water feature made from wine bottles, log seating and a metal sculpture.

Finchale College horticultural team has won 11 gold awards at nationally recognised flower and garden shows throughout the UK over recent years.

Gary said: "But it's not just about doing well with the show gardens, working in horticulture really does change lives.

"We work with trainees who may have come from heavy industry or ex-service personnel and are suffering from stress and anxiety. Being able to work with something so creative and in a completely different and pleasant atmosphere is a form of therapy to many of our trainees|"

Finchale College is able to deliver what employers look for in the industry. Completion of the horticultural course provides the necessary skills to seek opportunities in general and specific areas, including working for public authorities, specialised producers, landscape contractors and garden and commercial retail centres.

Trainee and veteran Richard Davies, a former Royal Artillery gunner, suffered a severe back injury, snapped ten of his ribs and incurred soft tissue damage, while on duties in the UK.

Richard, of Sherburn Village, near Durham City, said: "I went through a really hard time and wasn't sure what I was going to do after being told I wouldn't be able to do manual work anymore.

"But I had always had an interest in gardening; my late father was a keen gardener too. I decided to contact the veterans department at Finchale and I can honestly say I have never looked back.

"I've learned so much already in my time here and being involved in something creative is very positive; I have spent years in depression but now I feel so different. I feel great and it feels fantastic to be learning again."

Trainee Tony Trotter has spent most of his life working in the shipyards but two years ago he underwent major back surgery involving having two metal rods and four bolts inserted into his back.

Tony, of South Shields, said: "I can't say how much being on the course has helped me; it has made such a big change to my life.

"Being involved in Harrogate show was just amazing. It was my first and to be part of a winning team was incredible. To get the award was one of the best days of my life."

The Finchale College horticultural centre is open to the public each weekend between 10am and 4pm.

For further information on Finchale Training College log onto www.finchalecollege.co.uk or call 0191-386 2634.