A GARDEN centre which provides training to adults with learning disabilities made full use of their outdoor location with a colourful production.

Trainees at Northdale Horticulture, based in Northallerton, put on a performance of Grease Paint, in what was its first ever summer show.

Unexpectedly cold weather looked set to threaten the performance, but the organisers improvised by simply moving the play into one of the centre’s polytunnels.

The charity, based on Yafforth Road, offers employment opportunities and work-based training in skills such as horticulture and woodwork for adults with a disability.

Northdale manager Simon Cross said: “This was our first summer production, following on from our Christmas pantomime success over the recent years.

“Both trainees and the audience get a lot of enjoyment from the productions; it’s a real showcase of what a diverse and exciting place Northdale is to work.

“The polytunnel made a perfect theatre.”

The production was followed by a hog roast and raffle, with Sainsburys donating bread buns and Northallerton Rotary Club helping with the production on and off the stage.

The event raised £1,600 for Northdale.