BEST selling children’s history author Terry Deary yesterday (wed) launched an event to help create a sensory garden for adults with learning difficulties.

The Local Company is trying to raise funds to create the facility in its grounds at Herbert Street, in Consett, County Durham.

The garden will include quiet areas and plants that are highly scented or can be touched.

As part of their fundraising, the group, for adults with high support and complex needs, held a coffee afternoon that was opened by the Horrible Histories author.

Service users and their families got to meet Mr Deary who signed copies of his books.

His Horrible Histories have sold over 20 million copies worldwide and he has topped the list of the most borrowed authors in school libraries.

Gillian Hewitson, manager of The Local Company, said: "We are very privileged to have Terry with us to open the event which we hope will give a big boost to our fundraising.

"Our centre is in a residential area and there are no parks near us so it will be fantastic to have a garden that everyone who uses the centre can enjoy."

The event, which ran from 1pm to 3pm included an Easter egg competition, refreshments, tombolas and raffles.

Staff member Neil Milburn is also running the London Marathon to raise funds for the garden.