THE Butterfly Garden in Clackmannan hosted a busy open day last weekend.

There was a steady flow of visitors on Saturday to the community space behind the town hall which was bathed in sunshine.

The Clackmannan Garden Committee welcomed people of all ages during the event, held between 11am and 4pm.

Margaret Schofield, chairperson, said: "The point was to show how much progress we have made over the year and to thank everybody who had donated plants or seeds, or whatever."

"We had lots of people and we got donations of over £50 which was excellent.

"People were buying some lettuces or courgettes and giving us like a five pound note and not taking any change – very generous, so lots of interest."

The event also celebrated the group being given the Community Impact Award during the Volunteers Awards Ceremony held by Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSi).

The initiative began in a bid to transform a patch of land in the community, which was unused for around 12 years, into a place everyone can enjoy.

Volunteers have been hard at work for more than a year now and the plan is to grow things that can then be used locally.

Margaret said: "If people want to have a lettuce or something when it is ready, they can have it.

"But when we get to September we are going to start donating the produce to Bargains and Bites, who make soup and bread and cakes for Friday lunchtime, 12-2pm."

Some of the key highlights in the last few months have been getting the pathwork completed, despite the snow meaning a few setbacks.

The group is also happy to be engaging with local youngsters and, earlier this year, Clackmannan Primary pupils were invited to submit design ideas for the logo.

Going forward, the volunteers will be focusing on planting and hope to open the garden to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, 2-4pm, weather permitting.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 26, in the town hall at 2pm for those who would like to attend.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved can contact Lesley Shaw, community development officer at Clackmannan Development Trust (CDT), on 01259 219473.

For more, head to clackmannancommunity.org or visit facebook/clackdevtrust