Southampton gardeners buying plants for their plots and windowsills last Saturday helped raise £775 for local charity Communicare.

The bring-and-buy plant sale, held at CommuniBakes on St. James Road, Shirley, on May 11, raised funds for Communicare's work aiding vulnerable and isolated residents.

The friendly neighbourhood charity, managed by volunteer 'Communiteers', currently supports around 700 individuals or families, offering services like befriending, appointment transport, and shopping help.

Emily Arbery, fundraising and finance coordinator at Communicare, said: "Thank you so much to all who volunteered and shopped at our plant sale this year. We had a wonderful time meeting everyone yesterday and talking all things plants!

Daily Echo: Communicare volunteers with Emily ArberyCommunicare volunteers with Emily Arbery (Image: Supplied)

"Our volunteers all worked so hard, especially given the heat. Their efforts weren’t in vain though, as we’ve raised a brilliant £775 so far and expect more donations this week. It was double the amount we collected at our event last year and we’re so delighted!

"Thank you also to everyone who brought fantastic plant donations in for us to sell – we had a very broad selection of plants this year and more than ever! We’re indebted to the team at Communibakes too for boosting our team with some lovely hot drinks and tasty treats.

"There was such a lovely, friendly atmosphere and it was so wonderful to see so many returning faces from last year – both volunteers and shoppers! Plus, the bakery, which exists to raise funds for our charity, said they had a busy morning as well.

"We still have some surplus plants available for you to buy this week, just get in touch if you’d like some. They’ll also be outside St James Parish Church, by the park, for a few days this week, while stocks last."

Services are free, but donations from beneficiaries are welcomed.