A MENTAL health support group whose garden wishing well was stolen by thieves is delighted to have had a bigger, and better, model donated to them.

The planter, which was the centrepiece of Rossendale Rubicon’s community garden, at Acre Mill Baptist Church, Stacksteads, was stolen in early June.

The stolen well had been donated by Stubbylee Community Greenhouses, an eco-friendly social enterprise, and ten members of Rossendale Rubicon, many with mental health problems and learning disabilities, had placed the ornament.

Now, a replacement has been given to the group by Andrew Elsworth, from Bacup.

He was so touched by the story of the group’s planter being stolen, he decided to hand-craft a new one, and give it to them.

Gwen Lamb, secretary of the self-funded group, with around 225 members, said: “Everyone’s so happy to have the new one here.

“We had only been working on the garden here for a couple of months when it was stolen, and people were very down, and upset.

“A lot of people felt like there was no point in carrying on.

“This new wishing well has made people feel like it’s worth doing it again.

“It’s brought everyone back to life.

“Gardening is very therapeutic. It helps people and is a very good way of easing mental health issues.

“We’ve been given so much support by local people since it was stolen.

“We’ve made sure to cement this one in.

“Lots of people donated funds at Bacup and Stacksteads Carnival, and at other tombolas and raffles we’ve done.

“We’ve used the money to buy plants and vegetables for the garden, and keep the group going.

“Everyone’s very grateful for what the community have done and are keen to show off the garden now.”

Rossendale Rubicon runs the sessions five days a week.

To get involved, or donate, call Gwen on 07939 035982.