THE future is certainly flourishing for one of Okehampton's leading environmental organisations, after it received a huge amount of support from the community and surrounding areas.

The Growing Our Future team has received a number of donations following a spate of attacks on its gardens.

Project co-ordinator for Growing Our Future, Beth Hamer, said it was the commitment and passion from the community which kept their spirit alive.

She said: 'Each time an attack occurred, we were set back.

'It's not only difficult on a monetary level, but it also begins to make you question why you are doing it.

'The response and support from the people of West Devon has been moving and wholly encouraging.'

Beth said knowing the project meant so much to the community made it all worthwhile.

She said: 'There have been many words of support and positive comments that have made us realise that Growing Our Future is respected and valued throughout Okehampton.

'Unfortunately, the mindless actions of a few people have brought a little upset to the project, but the thoughtful and selfless contributions from the majority, really have shown us that our work is enjoyed by many local people.'

The team expressed thanks to everyone who helped back the project.

The support came from a number of businesses, community groups and individuals, including Okehampton College teachers Bob Haworth and Keith Webber, who provided endless encouragement and support to the team, and Jenny Reynolds and the members of St Bridget's Church in Bridestowe, who held a village plant sale where gardening equipment and plants were donated to the project.

The team also thanked volunteer for Growing Our Future Jane Asten for her continuous support, and committee member from the volunteer group Orchard Live, Tony Dion, for his hard work in sourcing replacement apple trees, which were ripped out in one of the attacks.

Thanks also went to Country Lanes Garden Centre, Bostock's Garden Centre and Thornhayes Nursery for their generosity, and to Okehampton resident Jim White for his kindness in donating hawthorn and ash trees, along with a security light for the garden.

Support also came from Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group (STOC), which made contributions of pots and seed trays, and from Drewsteignton resident Julia Watley, who wrote a letter to the Okehampton Times and gave donations of plants and seedlings to the project.

Drewsteignton residents Stephan and Lucinda Emanuel, also contributed plants and words of encouragement.

The team expressed thanks to Times reporter, Claire Hallett, for her encouragement and positive outlook, and to the students at Okehampton College, who gave up their spare time to repair the poly-tunnel which was damaged in the attacks.

Anyone who would like more information on Growing Our Future can phone 07903 121146 or email [email protected]">[email protected]