A BARRHEAD charity has been honoured with a national award after transforming an untidy allotment into an urban oasis.

Members of the Include Me 2 Club, which helps children, young people and adults with additional support needs and disabilities across East Renfrewshire and Glasgow, set up the Allotment Angels gardening initiative two years ago.

Based at Reidvale Community Allotments, in Dennistoun, the project has now been voted as the winner of the Cultivation Street Gardens for Better Health Award, with the charity receiving a £1,000 prize as an added bonus.

The award recognises gardens that have had the most positive impact on the mental or physical health of members of the local community.

Susan Wilson, Include Me 2 Club’s lead volunteer for the Allotment Angels project, told the Barrhead News: “We are absolutely over the moon to have won the Gardens for Better Health award.

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team of volunteers we have.

“It has been especially challenging for them during these difficult times but it is very exciting to be recognised in this way, as this is a UK-wide competition.”

Susan also revealed there are plans to continue to ‘grow’ the Allotment Angels initiative over the coming months.

“We are going to purchase a few tabletop cookers, waterproof clothing and specialised seeds to plant,” she said. “I always like to look for an unusual vegetable to grow.

“We’re also going to get small vegetable polytunnels, as we have over 70 vegetables and herbs growing at the allotment.”

Paul McIlvenny, chair of Include Me 2 Club, added: “This is a fantastic achievement and a well-deserved reward for all the hard work and dedication shown by the team of volunteers and members who have created this amazing urban oasis.

“Susan works tirelessly to ensure the allotment is in tip-top condition.

“It is absolutely amazing news that the allotment project has been recognised for its hard work, impact and achievements, improving our members’ physical and mental health as they participate in outdoor activity, make new friends and do some light exercise whilst chatting over a brew or some home-made soup from all the produce.

“A big thanks goes to Cultivation Street for the £1,000 prize, which will go towards the cost of new materials, seeds and resources for members of the group to continue their fantastic work.”