A GARDENING scheme for people with mental health problems and other disabilities has held its first open day to boost funds for development.

The Greenfingers Horticultural Project at Stourport's Lucy Baldwin Hospital helps people with learning difficulties from Kidderminster College and mental health patients from Kidderminster's Edward Parry Centre - a social services day centre - and Kidderminster Hospital.

Elderly patients from Lucy Baldwin Hospital with dementia and other complaints also take advantage of the horticultural therapy. Lucy Baldwin Hospital patients Walter Wall, Valerie Trappett and Mark Hall on the Greenfingers Project.

It transferred from Merrivale Farm in Ombersley in March last year to be nearer Kidderminster and last week showcased itself to guests from a variety of health and horticulture organisations.

The project grows organic vegetables, flowers, indoor plants and shrubs both undercover and in the open air, which are then sold to participating people and bodies.

Expansion plans include constructing greenhouses and watering systems and creating work placement schemes and seminars.

"We help patients gain confidence in themselves," explained horticulture therapist Roger Smith. "It proves to them they can grow plants and achieve results."