A community garden in the grounds of a historic church has been transformed into an enchanted space thanks to the efforts of a local charity.

No Walls Gardens, which works with the unemployed, ex-offenders and people with substance abuse or other health issues, has been revitalising the space outside St Botolph’s Church in Northfleet.

It has become known as The Enchanted Garden by those who have worked on it over the past year and has received support from Lidl Gravesend, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), and the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

EDC and the CCG are helping with the next job, which is to plant fruit and vegetables for the community to help themselves to, with Lidl having donated 25 pallets of compost.

Cllr Peter Scollard (Lab) said: “This community garden is a real success so far.

“All those involved with the upkeep and transformation of the space have worked so hard, and the fruits of their labour is something that they can all be very proud of.

“The new space, with wild flower beds and dedicated rest areas, is looking amazing.

“Dedicated people like Kelly Hall, one of our directors, have made the space in to a tranquil place for the whole community to enjoy.

“No Walls has really developed and has made a huge impact on the lives of those involved."

Radio and television presenter Jim Buttress was a recent visitor to the garden as part of his role as a judge in this year’s South and South East In Bloom Your Neighbourhood competition.

Last year the garden was ranked as a level four entry — thriving — and Cllr Scollard is hoping it can go one better.

Correction: This story originally referred to Cllr Scollard as a Conservative - he is in fact a Labour councillor. Apologies for the error.