A husband and wife duo are preparing to launch a series of gardening clubs to reduce isolation in over-50s in Sidmouth.

Pete and Tracey Scott are using their backgrounds to improve the physical and psychological wellbeing of older people through the organisation Growing Together Devon.

The service offers garden maintenance and befriending opportunities by encouraging companionship over the gardens or a cup of tea and slice of cake.

Retired teacher Pete started the business in 2011 after qualifying with a degree in therapeutic horticulture and has been working with local primary schools and care homes on a number of projects.

The couple are rolling out the garden clubs and are asking for people to suggest groups they could work with at a drop-in session later this month.

Pete, 59, said: “The outcome we want is to alleviate social isolation through the garden clubs. You’re part of a group but you can be busy and the cakes are a big part of it.

“We are at the beginning of something that could be quite valuable and if we are successful we know we would be able to work for the next three years.”

Tracey, 56, added: “We are really encouraged by people seeing what we are trying to do.”

As part of their work the couple teamed up with fellow Glenisla Terrace residents to improve the flower beds in the Ham.

Anyone interested in finding out about gardening clubs can attend a drop-in session at Sidmouth Library on Wednesday, July 19, between 10am and noon.

For more information, contact Pete or Tracey by calling 01395 578018 or emailing growingtogetherdevon@icloud.com.