STAFF and supporters of a popular horticultural therapy centre - once threatened with closure - celebrated its triumphant relaunch.

Powick-based Link Nurseries has undergone a major revamp and was officially re-opened at a grand ceremony attended by civic dignitaries, including the Mayor of Malvern, Cynthia Palmer.

At the centre, off Hospital Lane, people with a variety of mental health problems grow fruits, vegetables and plants which are then offered for sale to the public.

The service was earmarked for closure by the end of 2016, however thanks to new managers Warwickshire College Group, supported by the leaseholders Bransford Trust and the Friends of Link Nurseries, it can now remain open.

Phil Woodhead, who is the nursery's new manager, said: "I can't believe that we are here really, I'm just so pleased that it is back up and running and horticultural therapy is here. There is so much need in Worcestershire for this service.

"They [the clients] come here and it is a nice atmosphere, it is relaxed, there are no stresses, it is a nice environment for them to work. It is about them having the best time."

As part of the centre's facelift, old plants were composted, fresh gravel was laid and the whole site was spruced up ready to welcome in customers and new clients.

Clients who use the service were involved in improving the nursery, by planting bulbs and preparing beds for flowers and vegetables.

At the opening ceremony, Councillor John Raine, chair of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "This is one of the most heartening stories of 2016.

"It was a sad start to the year but there’s been quite a transformation over the last few months and Link Nurseries is now a very different place to what it was.

"It’s real phoenix from the ashes stuff and long may it carry on. Thank you to the Friends of Link Nurseries for their tireless work and to all those organisations that continued to believe in the prospects here and we look forward to some great work being done in the future."

John Carver, head of the Bransford Trust, said: "We all understand the difficulties of running the NHS budget, but it was sad to see this going wrong. The transformation is unbelievable. We will continue to support this."

The nursery is set to host a Christmas Open Day on Thursday, December 8, from 10am to 4.30pm.

At the event, visitors can browse the nursery, meet staff, volunteers and clients, and buy Christmas gifts.