VOLUNTEERS pitched in to dig flower beds that will be used as an attraction for disabled children.

Seven people took part in creating the sensory garden at Fairytale Farm, Southcombe, near Chipping Norton, at the weekend.

Farm owner Nick Laister said: “It was great. We had wonderful weather and it was hard work but we all had a bit of fun.”

George Hunt, 74, from Chipping Norton, was among those who took part. The former furniture manufacturer said: “This was the first time I had ever done this and I really enjoyed it.

“The flowers will really brighten the place up.”

The farm was opened last July as an attraction specifically designed for children with disabilities.

Mr Laister and his wife Nicola spent five years and £1m creating the attraction after having problems finding places to take their daughter Olivia, 16, who has cerebral palsy. The garden was entirely funded by the family – most of their life savings – with car boot sales helping to raise around £100,000 of the total.

The 80m sensory trail will include a series of features and plants that smell, make noises or can be touched.

Mr Laister said: “They are helpful for children with disabilities, but it’s also for families. “It will get better each year as the garden grows.”