A GARDEN to help people during and after cancer treatment has taken root in Peebles.

Local businessman Lawrie Hayworth has teamed up with social enterprise You Can Cook to develop The Glebe.

The therapeutic growing project is aimed at supporting cancer patients as well as people suffering from depression.

The Glebe allows volunteers from the community as well as referred patients to get their hands dirty and enjoy the outdoors at the same time as growing food to enjoy at home.

The site is owned by Mr Hayworth, who has also invested a large sum of money to get the project off the ground.

Lawrie told us: "I have been in a fortunate position to be given more than I need and I want to use this for building a bigger table instead of a bigger wall."

You Can Cook are helping to run and develop the project.

Raised beds have been created and a wooden shed for storage has also been built.

Volunteers have also developed indoor and outdoor seating areas.

And toilet and washing-up facilities have also been built.

Bosco Santimano from You Can Cook said: "We are aiming to create a safe place to come learn, relax and support each other or to volunteer.

"The project is easily accessible and is walking distance from Peebles High Street."

Depending on the popularity of the project, Lawrie has further plans to develop The Glebe by adding additional all-year-round growing facilities.

You Can Cook has also teamed up with Transforming Care After Treatment (TACT) to refer patients with low to moderate level support needs to The Glebe.

For more information on using or volunteering at The Glebe contact project co-ordinator Alex Wilson on 07722-808830.