A HAMPSHIRE pre-school unveiled the fruits of an entire community’s labour at the launch of its new garden.

Staff, pupils, residents and local firms chipped in to help build Waltham Chase Pre-School’s garden on space outside the village hall.

Rev Juliet Montague was joined by toddlers, teachers and local stakeholders to launch the garden last week.

Fence panels were sponsored by residents and businesses, while Scouts laid drainage pipes and helped to move a mountain of stones.

Developer and lead sponsor Linden Homes, which is set to release 70 new houses in nearby Swanmore this year, donated £2,780 to pay for artificial grass.

Sandra Glover, from Waltham Chase Pre-School, coordinated the sponsorship and labour. She said: “We are so grateful for the kind donations we’ve received and for all the hard work that’s been done to create this great space. The children will really enjoy playing out here in the fresh air – in a safe, fun garden that is theirs.”

Brendan O’Neill, managing director of Linden Homes Southern, said: “It has been wonderful to watch this project evolve and witness how well the community of Waltham Chase has come together. It has been very inspiring and we are delighted to have been able to make a contribution to the garden.”