A COMMUNITY garden project has benefited after the Southend Fund dug deep and awarded it a £2,500 grant. Growing Together Gardens is an initiative by Trust Links charity which will use the cash to continue its work with about 40 people a week with mental health problems. Manager John Williams said: "The award is a recognition of our dedication and commitment to improving people's lives. We are a therapeutic group and our main focus is to help people with mental health needs." The project, on the corner of Fairfax Drive and Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff, also offers training up to NVQ level and a centre is being built to provide a better base for this. It is due to be completed in September.

The Southend Fund was founded by Howard Briggs when he was mayor in 2001. The charity raised £150,000 during his mayoral year. It has been invested and funds for local charities.

Peter Croysdil, chairman of development panel at Southend Fund, and Mr Briggs presented the money to Cheryl Higgins, chairman of Trust Links.