THE LAUNCH of a new garden at a centre for people with learning difficulties was a success, in every sense.

Weymouth's Ridgeway Centre in Links Road has created a sensory garden that can be appreciated by all its clients.

With the help of friends, business and charitable organisations, the 18-month project was finally completed, but it will be another five years before the garden reaches its full potential.

Assistant manager Ian Lummes said: "The garden is a tranquil environment on the site and we can use it in many ways. Even at this stage it is very striking. It is great for picnics and gentle exercise and when it becomes fully established the shade cover will enable us to use it much more in the summer."

There is plenty to stimulate the senses in the 20-metre diameter area that was once just plain open space next to the centre. Raised flower beds and make plants more accessible to people in wheelchairs and there is plenty for the 175 day centre users to touch, see, hear, smell and even taste.

The garden was opened by Tom Martin, chairman of the Parents', Carers' and Staff Association, which raised more than £10,00 for the project. One of the main focal points is a large spherical water feature made by Portland based-sculptor David Nicholls with the help of the adults who use the centre and some lottery funding. Water trickles over the top of the three-foot sphere decorated with ceramic sea creatures made during a series of workshops led by the artist.

"It's the first time I've done a project like this," Mr Nicholls said. "It will look quite stunning when the garden grows up around it a bit more."

Mr Lummes thanked the many groups who made the project possible. Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport and Guernsey Lions provided four hardwood benches in their first joint donation for their Zone Project.

Three teams of students from Kingston Maurward Agricultural College did the ground work and paving. The Royal Naval Association in Dorchester and local businesses, including Jewsons, Reeves Garden Centre and Portland Stone helped with free or discounted materials.