A GROUND-BREAKING charity which helps sufferers of mental illness recover through gardening therapy has reached its tenth anniversary.

Green Space of Burnley will stage a celebratory Garden Open Week at their three sites in Burnley and Colne from Monday to Sunday next week.

The charity helps volunteers who have suffered from mental health problems to get on the road to recovery.

The work takes them out into the community and uses their skills to maintain, design and landscape other people's gardens.

Paula Charlton, charity co-ordinator, said: "It is a fantastic achievement to have reached this anniversary.

"Ten years ago horticultural therapy was a new concept to help mental health rather than medication.

"But we have now helped hundreds of people with enduring mental health problems to integrate and work as a team, which helps build self-confidence.

"It is a relaxed, happy atmosphere which also helps build upon their skills and knowledge for the future."

Green Space was established in 1992 by Nelson man Alan Whittaker, who is now its vice-chairman.

The 54 volunteers, from the Burnley, Pendle and Colne, meet for two sessions each week.

To celebrate its tenth birthday the charity is holding plant and vegetable sales at their three sites in Burnley and Colne with all plant and crafts produced by the volunteers and all proceeds going to the charity.

The events take place at Ebor Street, Burnley, opposite the Prairie Pub, from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm; at Towneley Park, Burnley next to the Bowling Green, from Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 4pm and at 61 Albert Road, Colne, from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm. There is also a garden party on Sunday, June 23 at the Towneley Park Site, next to the bowling green from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free.