Autistic children aged five to 11 and their families can now grow their own fruit and veg at a special club in Bridport.

Gardenscape has opened at St Mary's Primary School in Skilling Hill Road, launched by ASCape, Bridport's charity for autistic young people aged up to 25.

The school's Edible Garden has made a plot available for children to plant and grow organic food as well as eating the fruit and vegetables they produce.

ASCape chairman Karen Wright said: "This is the first after school club in Bridport aimed at supporting children on the autistic spectrum.

"Autistic and socially anxious children benefit from smaller groups with one-to-one encouragement.

"They usually thrive outdoors and working with the soil and growing plants can be extremely grounding and therapeutic."

She added: "ASCape is hugely grateful to St Mary's Primary School and the Edible Garden team for their support, and for funds made available by the Cowshed and from the Dorset Community Foundation."

Lead gardener Kat will show the children how to prepare the planting area and discuss the lifecycle of plants and how seeds germinate. The children will be invited to share in the planning process, selecting plants and sowing seeds. There will be a range of fun activities whatever the weather.

The Edible Garden is a safe and secure area, the lead gardener and volunteers are DBS checked and have full safeguarding training. ASCape also offers monthly clubs and activities for teenagers and young people, based at the Bridport Youth and Community Centre.

Spaces are available for more children to join on Tuesdays 4.30-5.30pm. The club will run until October and is open to all children who have an autism diagnosis or who are on the diagnostic pathway in the West Dorset area. A parent or carer must remain with the child at all times.

For further details and booking go to ascape.club/whats-on