COLLEGE trainees will have the chance to enter a prestigious flower show, thanks to a Lottery grant.

Grants scheme Ecominds gave Finchale Training College, near Durham, £13,250 to give disabled trainees the opportunity to enter a conservation-themed garden into the 2009 Royal Horticultural Society’s Tatton Park flower show.

The cash was handed over on Monday, in the presence of Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods.

Dr David Etheridge, the college principal, said: "This project is very important to the college and serves to develop the confidence of our trainees.

"The pride and sense of achievement for those involved can transform their lives."

Dr Blackman-Woods said: "I am delighted to be here to see the cheque be presented. I am always really impressed by the college - the skills that they give people are second to none.

"I hope that this award from Ecominds helps the college to continue its provision of skills and work opportunities."

Ecominds is run by the charity Mind and funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s changing spaces programme. For more information, call 0845-367-1671 or visit ecominds.org.uk