ESCAPE this summer to a tropical oasis of calm and cultured learning at St Annes best kept secret -- The Flora Centre.

The previously run-down Ashton Gardens greenhouses have been transformed into a hive of horticultural-based activities and displays, including a spectacular orchid house and a popular cactus and carnivorous plant exhibition, which are open to the public free of charge.

The Fylde Council-run complex has been named the Flora centre -- which stands for Floral Learning Occupational Rehabilitation centre -- and is currently used by a range of groups including young offenders, the elderly, disabled and people with learning difficulties.

The centre will be expanding and offering courses on such activities as flower arranging, horticulture and painting in watercolours to members of the public over the summer period. They will range in price from £14 up to £44 and consist of approximately ten classes, each lasting two hours.

Centre manager Shirley Ogden explained: "At present we are just taking the names and numbers of people interested in the courses and will get back to them with times and dates once we have enough people for a class.

"Many people do not even know we exist and we want to increase public knowledge about what we do and encourage them to come and take a look around. It hasn't been utilised to its full potential in the past, which is a shame as it has so much to offer.We are currently applying for a lottery grant of £4,000 to continue expanding and up-grading the facilities."

"Ideally we need a full-time horticultural therapy trainer who can gear the course to the individual and their special needs. For example, if someone is blind he will work fragrant flowers and plants into their therapy."

This horticultural-type therapy has never been tried before and is enjoying much success according to Miss Ogden. who added: "We have a young boy who comes every Thursday and he enjoys it so much he doesn't want to leave.

"There are so many positive benefits that these people gain from being introduced to the world of horticulture. It improves social skills and inspires confidence in many of our visitors. Hopefully we will be able to expand in this area in the future also."

Fylde Council's director of tourism and leisure Dave Joy said: "The Government's best-value initiative requires all councils to make the most of what they have. The Flora project is an excellent example of doing just that." The centre is also looking for volunteers to help with such duties as potting and watering. For further details on the courses on offer or any aspect of the centre call Shirley Ogden on (01253) 724141 extension 3720.