IT began with a few old railway sleepers and a shovel full of soil.

And after months of hard graft a mini-Eden has been born in the grounds of a small community in Reydon.

Volunteers from Southwold and District Rotary Club (SDRC) have manned wheelbarrows and delicately planted flowers to create a new sensory garden.

The sheltered housing site on Wangford Road is now home to two raised flower beds, so people can garden in wheelchairs, and a new summer house area to provide privacy and protection from the wind.

The project hopes to deliver an interactive experience where residents can tend to the plants and ensure the flowers are blooming brightly for years to come.

Cathy Ryan, a Rotarian with the SDRC said: 'It gives people there a hobby. They now have the opportunity to get out of the building on a nice day. 'The grounds are lovely and they will be able to garden the raised flower beds. We have also got a lovely new summer house where they can go for some privacy outside, while keeping them out of the wind.'

The SDRC embarked on the project after gaining some financial backing from the Reydon Trust.

It was dedicated to the memory of the former president of the SDRC Reg Crown who pledged �1,600 to the project. His widow Doris Crown officially opened the sensory garden.

Pitches View is a sheltered accommodation for 33 flats. It provides 24-hour care and support for older people while encouraging them to be independent.

The SDRC hope to hold two more charity events in the coming months to show their support for a good cause. Initial plans are under way to resurrect the Southwold Christmas Day swim, while a men in pink event will be held in October to raise money for breast cancer charities.

If you want to become a member of the SDRC visit their website at www.southwoldrotary.co.uk