A NEW community garden has opened at a York village library.

Haxby Explore's newly refurbished community garden has been worked on by volunteers with donations from local businesses and residents.

Having been unused for a number of years, library staff improved the garden’s paving and cleared the ground.

The library asked local businesses to contribute to the project and the local Sainsbury’s store was the first to respond with the offer of a couple of car boot loads of plants and two benches.

Residents and other businesses have also generously contributed plants, building materials and their time to create a garden.

With the new space ready for use, library users are welcome to enjoy it over a coffee, read a book on a bench or share stories with children. And having been given by the community for the community, maybe take a cutting for their own gardens.

Bev Leymus, Haxby Explore manager, said: “Having a garden gives the library an extra dimension ready for the warmer weather in spring. The new space will be a great asset for people to enjoy informally and for us to incorporate into our schedule of activities.”

Callum Shaw, Sainsburys’ Haxby customer service assistant, said: “We were happy to help with the donation of plants and couldn’t believe how the garden was transformed – it looked amazing when I went to visit. The team mentioned that they didn’t have much outdoor furniture so I asked my Store Manager what else we could do to support. She contacted our Facilities team who donated these lovely benches.”