Petersfield Community Garden users have grounds to be cheerful as a £26,000 eco shelter has been officially opened.

Town mayor Cllr JC Crissey cut the ribbon last Sunday, April 28, at the site off Waterworks Road in Sheet.

The traditional wood-framed shelter is also open to allotment users and will complement the existing social shed at the site.

The feature, part funded by the South Downs National Park Authority, also boasts a green roof and was constructed by local skilled builders using wood and materials from nearby.

The opening ceremony was one of the highlights of an Orchard Blossom Picnic with a communal atmosphere, food and drink being enjoyed by families and gardeners of all ages.

Visitors were tickled pink as the annual event coincides with the blossoming of eating apple trees at the onsite orchard.

The ceremony was also one of the last ribbon cutting events on Cllr Crissey’s mayoral calendar.