A THERAPEUTIC nursery which was saved from the axe has just celebrated the first anniversary of its rebirth.

Link Nurseries, in Powick, where people with mental health problems grow plants and sell them as part of their recovery, has been slated to close last summer, as local health commissioners sought to save £250,000.

But the nursery was saved when Warwickshire College Group reached an agreement to take it on, supported by the Bransford Trust and the Friends of Link Nurseries.

To mark the anniversary, teams from the trust and the college were joined by local people for a party, along with MP Harriett Baldwin, who worked to save the college.

Courses have now resumed at the nurseries, including the Well Bean Gardening Club and other horticultural therapy courses.

The site has also benefited from a make-over which has been welcomed by users and helpers, and also by the general public who drop in to buy produce.

Mrs Baldwin said: “Only a year on from the day when the NHS pulled the plug, the Link Nurseries seems stronger than ever and has ambitious plans to offer more courses to local people.

“I have been really impressed with the way Colin Kinnear and the Bransford Trust stepped up and took over the site and Warwickshire College Group seeing the opportunity to do more at the valuable site and also pleased with the assistance of Malvern Hills District Council.

“I have recently written to health secretary Jeremy Hunt confirming my full support of this project and I hope that this birthday celebration is one of many to come.”

Colin Kinnear of the trust said: “Bransford Trust has been delighted to be involved in the development of the new Link over its first year.

“The work put in by the clients, volunteers and Warwickshire College Group has been inspiring and long may it continue.”