A GARDENING association hopes it will be able to attract less able and younger members following a donation to buy new equipment.

Hummersknott Gardeners' Association (HGA) has received funding from the Cockerton branch of Darlington Building Society as part of its annual community support fund.

Staff at the building society chose to help the association after hearing that it was looking for help with funding to create better access for older members, young families and members with medical problems or disabilities.

The funds will be used to provide raised beds for children and less mobile members and to repair the greenhouse and poly tunnels.

Carl Horsman, from the Cockerton branch, said: “Gardening is a hobby that many people participate in and the Hummersknott Gardeners’ Association provides great support for many local people.

“We were only too happy to assist when we learnt that the organisation needed help to enable even more people to get involved. It is important that pastimes like gardening are available to as many people as possible and it is rewarding that the money we have donated will help to achieve this.”

Ken Haigh, chairman of HGA, said: “The generosity of the staff at Darlington Building Society means that the association will be able to make some of its facilities accessible to a wider range of people.

“Gardening is a healthy and fulfilling way of spending leisure time and we are looking forward to welcoming new members who perhaps in the past were unable to join.”