The opening of the new fishing facility for the disabled at Strode Park, Herne Bay. Pictured are, from left: Bex Penny, Sabrina Darwish and Wesley Relf

When Snappy the giant American snapping turtle ruled the pond at Strode Park at Herne, no creature was safe.

In fact, his voracious appetite virtually wiped out all the wildlife, from birds to bream.

But after his discovery last year during maintenance work and his subsequent capture and removal, tranquility has again returned to the waters.

Now the charity has been able to carry on with plans to re-stock the pond and create safe, wheelchair friendly angling opportunites for its disabled clients.

Snappy's departure has also encouraged a wide range of other wildlife to return to the setting.

Strode Park chief executive, Paul Montgomery said: "A few of our clients asked about fishing in the pond and we thought it would be a good idea, during a general tidy-up, to create some swims for them.

"We have to thank the Rotary Clubs of Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and Forest of Blean who each donated £500 towards the project.

"Rotary grants meant we were able to put down hard standing and fencing for four swims. We have also re-stocked the pond with a variety of fish, including carp, bream and perch."