TRAINEES with a range of health issues are seeing the green shoots of recovery thanks to an innovative project which uses horticulture as therapy.

And the trainees at Finchale College, Durham, proved to be so green-fingered that their efforts secured them an award at one of the country’s leading shows.

Judges from Harrogate Spring Flower Show awarded the Silver Gilt accolade to their garden display, Waste Not Want Not.

The award is the latest in a string of successes as the college’s 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 focused 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 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 typically be thrown away. The design included 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.

Mr Hillery 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 come from heavy industry or ex-service personnel and who 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 for many of them”

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

Armed Forces 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.

Mr Davies, 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 couldn’t 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 learnt 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.

Mr Trotter, of South Shields, said: “I can’t stress how much being on the course has helped me – it has made such a big change to my life.

“Being involved in the 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.”

Finchale College horticultural centre is open to the public each weekend between 10am and 4pm. For further information, go to finchalecollege.

co.uk or call 0191-386-2634.