VISITORS to the prestigious Hampton Court Flower Show this year will experience a little bit of Southend thanks to an innovative gardening project run by Southend Youth Offending Service.

With the 125 Anniversary of the Borough in mind, which is being celebrated in association with the Echo, they submitted two ideas this year and are delighted that both designs have been selected to be exhibited.

The gardens, named Fun by the Sea and By the Sea, will highlight some of the delights of Southend and will be seen by over 300,000 people. The gardens are currently being built by young people involved with the programme and will be put together with help and manned by them on site.

Tony Wagstaff, from Southend Council, has been working with young offenders in the Borough for 13 years. He said: “Having a garden at Hampton Court is a fantastic way to keep the young people motivated towards an exciting goal at the end of the course, and ultimately a new way of life. We’re the only Youth Offending Team in the country to run such a successful programme and be represented at this event.”

Visit southend.gov.uk/hamptoncourtflowershow