A PARKINSONS charity in southern Oxfordshire has opened a community garden.

Parkinsons.Me, a charity founded by Ewan Stutt of West Lockinge, near Wantage, intend the garden to be a source of good food, exercise, relaxation and communal support for families affected by Parkinson’s and similar conditions.

Mr Stutt says it has been built 'entirely with local volunteer labour and many generous donations of materials and equipment'.

Paul Mayhew-Archer, who has Parkinson’s and is known for creating the Vicar of Dibley, officially opened the garden in the town earlier this month.

The charity was established by Ewan in 2016, following his diagnosis aged 41.

With two teenage daughters of their own, Ewan and his wife Tracey felt that there was little specific support available for families affected by Parkinson’s, particularly around how to explain the condition to children and finding activities that families can enjoy together.

Mr Stutt said that led him to create Parkinsons.Me, and start a blog.

Now the garden - featuring areas identified for relaxation, vegetable growing, exercise and the development of a wild flower meadow - has taken shape.

Chairman of the charity's trustees Mike Ayre said: “This has been a truly inspirational project that has brought together the whole community to transform unused land into a place where families can work, play, relax and exercise together in beautiful surroundings.”