A MALVERN-based charity has won a top award for the excellence of its garden. 

The Association for Rehabilitation of Communication and Oral Skills (ARCOS), has been named “outstanding” for the gardens of its headquarters, Hatherton Lodge, in Avenue Road, close to the town centre.

The accolade has been made by the Royal Horticultural Society and Heart of England in Bloom as part of their 2021 It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards.

Outstanding is the award’s Level Five – the highest grade that can be achieved.

ARCOS clinical director Kay Coombes said: "We are absolutely delighted with this award.

"The garden here is an important part of our headquarters – not just to look at but to use as an outdoor space for our clients and their families.

"We are fundraising to improve the garden and increase the resources available to include supported employment for ARCOS clients and their involvement in the local community through a small community café and horticultural therapy."

She said ARCOS was grateful to local businesses, groups and individuals who had donated materials, time and effort to making the garden what it is.

ARCOS, a national charity based in Malvern since 1992, was set up to improve quality of life for children and adults with disrupted sensation and movement, or difficulties in communication and/or swallowing.

A Heart of England in Bloom spokesman said: "We are delighted with the standards achieved by our neighbourhood entrants since this category was introduced in our region in 2006 and the increase in groups taking part.

"It’s Your Neighbourhood is all about bringing members of the community together to make a positive change to the place they live, work or spend their leisure time."