BURSLEDON'S pioneering Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activities Centre for the disabled is to get a sensory garden - thanks to Onyx Environmental Group, the county's waste management company.

A hide to watch wildlife and birds is also included in the scheme at the centre which has opened up new horizons for thousands since it was conceived and built as Eastleigh Borough Coun-cil's silver jubi-lee project.

Onyx is providing professional garden designer Martin Hender-son and several tonnes of its organic peat-free soil conditioner, Pro-Grow, together with expertise and construction materials to get the project under way.

Students from Eastleigh College have volunteered their services to undertake the work at the centre, which provides both residential and day care for children and adults with learning difficulties.

The garden is currently in its initial stages but is due to be completed in the spring with an official opening by the Princess Royal.

The project is also being supported by Eastleigh council and the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), which already works in partnership with the centre.

Onyx composting manager Peter Mills said: "This project means a great deal to everyone involved.

"The initial groundwork is ongoing at the moment with planting due to start shortly.

"The garden will be a fantastic resource for all visitors."