THE MEMORY of a Penarth man who helped breathe new life into a communal garden has been honoured with an environmental award.

Paul Clark, 60, who lived at Oak Court on Myrtle Road, helped dig the foundations for the garden and social club at the Wales & West Housing retirement scheme.

But he died last year without seeing his dream garden scoop the Environmental Project Award at the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) Cymru Participation Awards last week.

His fellow gardeners Sandy Thomas, Dave Brigham and Kath Page recognised his contribution to making the garden flourish when they won first place at the awards held in Llandudno which recognise the positive impact of tenants and groups in their community.

The four gardeners formed the club four years ago to encourage residents to get together and enjoy the garden at Oak Court.

With the help of other residents and staff, the garden has flourished.

Sandy Thomas said: "One of Mr Clark’s dreams was this garden.

"We make sure we keep his memory alive by keeping it going and seeing the other residents enjoy it.

"We enjoy each other’s company and planning what we are going to do next.

"It’s very therapeutic. More recently we’ve had a grant for a new gazebo and a barbecue which means we can run even more events in the garden.

"Not even the Welsh weather can dampen our community spirit."

Sarah Willcox, Wales & West Housing environment assistant said: "Our Making a Difference (MAD) grants helped make sure the garden was disabled friendly for Mr Clark and other residents with mobility problems.

"His favourite piece of kit was the aquaponics system, which helps plants grow without using soil.

"Being environmentally sustainable was important to the members.

"Mr Brigham recycles items such as tyres and pallets to create features including a raised cabbage bed and squirrel swing."

The team have also attended gardening courses and eight members have achieved level two in food safety so they can make food for people enjoying the garden.

Another small grant from Trafford Hall was enough to fund pots, plants and fencing.

More recently, the group secured a £4,000 grant from the Awards for All lottery to buy a range of additional equipment including an accessible potting shed and create a wildlife garden and pond.

WWH chief executive, Anne Hinchey unveiled the Oak Court garden in June 2014.

She said: “Despite the sadness of losing a founder member, the group has made sure that the garden is maintained for the whole of the Oak Court community to enjoy.

"The garden has had a really positive impact on the residents’ happiness and wellbeing which is wonderful to see."