A COMMUNITY garden helping to bring people together in Jaywick held an open day to celebrate seven years of the project.

The Dig4Jaywick project not only helps to make the area a nicer place, but also offering an activity which tackles health issues and social isolation.

A number of community groups supported the event, including Jaywick Writers Group, Jaywick Bee Group and the Friends of Jaywick Martello Tower.

This year was especially poignant as those involved displayed a mosaic completed by them, in partnership with Essex County Council’s Jaywick Martello Tower, with open workshops after the artist who began the artwork, Valerie Osment, sadly died before the work could be completed.

Lynda McWilliams, councillor responsible for health and education, said the scheme was a great example of how strong the community is in the area.

She said: “It is well documented that gardening is a great form of health therapy, from getting people outside into the fresh air to keeping minds active, and this project is exemplary of that.

“It also tackles isolation and brings the community together.”