Visitors to The Ham can now use their five senses to enjoy a green space after volunteers gave it a long-awaited makeover.

Sidmouth in Bloom (SiB) was awarded £500 from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), as part of its Greening Grey Britain scheme, to revamp the old boat park.

There are now herbs to smell and taste, a variety of tactile textures, grasses and bamboo that rattle and whistle, and a riot of colours to enjoy.

“We’ve had our eye on the area for two years,” said SiB chairman Lynette Talbot. “We’ve wanted a sensory garden in Sidmouth for a long time.

“We’re completely replanting the raised bed.

“It’s all been done by SiB volunteers, and Merryn Preece from the RHS came to help.

“We thank Streetscene and Sidmouth Town Council for their support.

“This is the first step to improving the area.

“It certainly will be part of the competition judging next year.”

SiB revamped one of the raised beds and Sidmouth’s Wyevale Garden Centre will soon turn its attention on another nearby.