THE Growing Together garden is a finalist in a national award.

The garden in Westcliff has been shortlisted for the Gardening Against the Odds Awards, run by the Conservation Foundation.

The Growing Together garden has been transformed from a dumping ground into a community garden by sufferers with mental disorders who learn horticultural skills and enjoy the benefits of producing vegetables, herbs and flowers.

A panel of celebrity gardeners and environmentalists chose a shortlist of 16 gardens and now the public is being asked to vote for their favourite garden. The winners will be announced in April at a Gala Tea Party at Syon Park, London. To vote for Westcliff ’s Growing Together Garden, visit www.gardening againsttheodds.com