ADULTS with special needs could blossom into seasoned gardeners thanks to a new plant nursery.

Darlington Borough Council has spent £50,000 developing Nubeck Nursery to be used by clients at Beck House, a day centre for adults with learning and other disabilities.

The work was carried out after staff at Beck House contacted Darlington council's community services department, asking for help when the centre's gardens closed and the buildings became unsuitable. An area of the council's Woodburn Nursery, in Salutation Road, was set aside for the creation of Nubeck Nursery, which Darlington Mayor Councillor Roderick Francis will open today.

Buildings have been refurbished to allow for disabled access, and the grounds have wheelchair accessible paths.

There is also a communal kitchen, which has been upgraded, and there are plans to install a workshop for clients to develop skills.

Up to ten full-time workers can be catered for at the nursery, or 20 part-timers, allowing adults with special needs to learn skills and gain experience that could help them work towards qualifications.

They will be looking at plant propagation, the basics of horticultural work and working alongside the council's horticulture team.

The clients will get the opportunity to work with council gardeners, to learn from them and work at different locations.

They will provide help in creating some of the floral displays around the town.

A council spokeswoman explained that working with the Woodburn Nursery staff would provide the Nubeck Nursery group with broader knowledge and experience of a working nursery, which could help them gain employment.

Plants grown at the new nursery could also be sold to raise money for charity, she said.

"It is early days, but the aim is to provide them with a concrete skill which can be used to help them find work either with the council, another nursery or related field," she said.

Coun Francis said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local adults with special needs to have access to practical learning experiences, with the prospect of gaining new qualifications and possible permanent employment.

"It is an excellent example of how the council is working in partnership to improve the lives of local residents and offering opportunities to all members of the community."