VOLUNTEERS have congregated to ensure an urban Barry church’s garden benefits from a cash boost.

St Mary’s church was awarded an All Wales Grant of £468.12 – an environmental grant scheme from Keep Wales Tidy and Tesco – for its community garden.

The Holton Road church has used the money to buy tools and equipment to help its garden grow.

Community groups, schools and charitable organisations across Wales were asked to apply to the All Wales Grant Scheme from November 2014, with grants of £100 - £500 available to help them with their own green initiatives.

Run by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy and funded by Tesco’s single use carrier bag charge, the aim of the All Wales Grant Scheme is to assist communities across Wales in real environmental actions, both financially and practically, to help improve their local environment.

The St Mary’s Community Garden project has now begun clearing the very overgrown site at the back of the church.

Volunteers from the church, Barry 372 Air Cadets, Ty Hapus , Recovery Cymru and also a team from Lloyds Bank customer service department as part of their Time to Give Day have all helped out in clearing the site.

Other groups are also getting on board to help including Holton Road primary school and the 11th Barry Scout group.

Over the winter and into the spring the site will be marked out with lots of raised beds and a seating area.

Fr Ben Andrews, Rector of St Mary’s said: “The grant has been a huge help in allowing us to buy the tools needed to clear the site and get things really started, we have already made a huge difference and have got people enthused and talking about the project.”

Chief executive of Keep Wales Tidy, Lesley Jones said: “I am delighted that so many groups and environmental projects across Wales have benefitted from a financial boost thanks to the All Wales Grants Scheme. It’s vital that we all do our bit to care for our local environment and through the scheme, local people across Wales have been able to get the support, resources and expert advice they need to carry out their environmental improvement projects.

“Keep Wales Tidy would like to thank Tesco customers for their support with the single use carrier bag donation, resulting in a successful All Wales Grant Scheme.”

For scheme details, email grants@keepwalestidy.org or visit www.keepwalestidy.org