VOLUNTEERS from Abacus have helped to create a kitchen garden at a community farm project in the Isle of Man.

11 staff from the company gave up their free time to create the garden at The Children's Centre's Community Farm which is based on the Carnane Estate in Douglas.

The farm will open to the Island's community in spring next year and is designed to be a place that focuses on educational learning.

Abacus staff spent seven days preparing the garden including prepping the soil for planting, putting up polytunnels and creating raised flower beds.

The firm also donated £500 towards the project and donated gardening tools for children including buckets, spades and watering cans. It also provided hats to protect children from the weather.

It is hoped that children who visit the garden will learn practical lessons about gardening and agriculture.

Chrissy Cannell, farm development officer, said: "The Abacus team worked really hard and everyone at the farm appreciates their efforts.

"The Community Farm is a project that everyone on the Island can support and benefit from and we welcome all volunteers who are willing to give up some of their free time to help."

As well as taking part in agricultural and horticultural activities children and young people who visit the Community Farm will take part in workshops and discover how farm machinery is maintained and gain skills in areas such as woodturning and metal work.

For more information about volunteering at the Community Farm contact Michelle O'Malley, fundraising manager at The Children's Centre by calling 01624 631919 or emailing fundraising@thechildrenscentre.org.im.

For more information on Abacus click here. For more information on The Children's Centre click here.