A BUSTLING community café is in full bloom.

Visitors to Oh Crumbs! can now enjoy a tranquil garden planted with trees, flowers and shrubs. 

The area provides a safe, sunny spot for eating and drinking.

The thriving West Allington café, run by people with disabilities, is celebrating its 25th year in business and work on the garden, as well as plans for a big feast next month, are all part of the anniversary celebrations.

The project's head gardener, Andrew Smith, said: "The outside was bare concrete before - a washing line and a shed with overgrown bushes."

The garden was devised by Dorset-based group the Arts Development Company, which uses the arts to transform environments.

Under the guidance of the company's Cleo Evans, staff discussed their ideas for the garden with local landscape architect Aileen Shackell, who drew up plans.

All the plants and materials were bought locally from Groves Garden Centre and Fat Leaf. 

Magna Housing Association and West Dorset District Council also contributed, with the bulk of the funding coming from the Big Lottery Fund’s 'Celebrate' programme.

"Oh Crumbs! is a fantastic community asset," said Cleo.

"It serves freshly cooked, delicious food with friendly service. You always feel welcomed and there’s a great atmosphere."

The café employs 17 people aged between 21 and 60.

Manager Sue Rousell said: ‘We give people an opportunity to do a real job that they might not get to do otherwise. They gain self-confidence and esteem from that.’

The community also gains a valuable meeting place. 

"We’ve got customers of all ages who come in and have their meal of the day here. They come in to eat and to meet up. Some of them are elderly, but we also get young families," added Sue. 

Oh Crumbs! is open 8.30am to 3pm Mondays to Fridays.

It will open for the celebratory feast on Saturday, September 23 between 1pm and 4pm and all are welcome to join.