Several members and supporters of a gardening society came together last Friday to celebrate four years since it was launched.

Slices of cake and drinks were shared in the community garden on Epping High Street used by the Epping in Bloom society to celebrate their fourth anniversary.

An independently run group, the gardening club is open to residents every Friday at 10am to help maintain and learn key green-finger tips.

Chairman and head of design of Epping in Bloom, Victoria Robertson, believes the club has been vital in getting kids to engage in community events.

She said: “It was a lovely morning celebrating. People think gardening is quite difficult, but it really isn’t.

“It’s educating the children where their food is coming and growing for yourself, it’s better for your health and much cheaper you can packet of 100 seeds for one pound rather than buying one lettuce.”

During the society’s lifetime, over 1,550 youngsters have entered competitions organised by Epping in Bloom and won several silver guilds from Anglia in Bloom for their floral displays.

Ms Robertson also thanked Epping Town council for funding the voluntary gardening group every year since 2015.

“They have been amazing, every year they have given us funding to continue the project every April for us to do our annual summer and winter plant, they are very supportive and always looking out for us.”

Epping in Bloom’s summer event will focus on growing wildflower plants to encourage more butterflies and bees and extending the dry garden area.

The annual Scarecrow Festival is also set to take place from Saturday, June 8 to Sunday, June 9 where residents are encouraged to display their most creative designs