A COMMUNITY garden that aims to appeal to generations of Bishopthorpe residents has been officially opened.

The Bishopthorpe Sensory Garden was opened on Saturday by the village butcher Geoff Dixon, 90, and toddlers Mia, three, and Max, four.

The garden has been built by volunteers on a previously disused plot next the village library.

It is designed to offer something for all five senses, with raised beds containing plants chosen for their smell, feel, colour and shape, taste and the sounds they make. Other beds are planted for year-round interest.

The garden was designed by Geoff Freeston, of Brunswick Organic Nurseries, while Brunswick's staff and workers, many with special needs, helped to construct it.

The new garden also features two benches, a central mosaic made by the art group from Vernon House, and a water-feature "monolith" donated by the family of Margaret Spooner, formerly of School Lane.

The scheme is the first part of the village's Crossroads Project to be completed. The scheme aims to transform the area around the junction of Sim Balk Lane and Main Street.

Martin Dudley, who has helped coordinate the Crossroads Project, said: "People really seem to like it.

"The comments we have had in the last few days have been really positive and encouraging.

"It was what people wanted when we talked to them, and we want to improve the whole of the area so it is the first step."