NORTH Swindon MP Michael Wills has welcomed a lottery grant of £124,055 to a Swindon project that supports the mentally ill.

Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon will receive the money this month from the Community Fund that will enable it to employ and train three new staff.

Michael Wills explained: "The Community Fund distributes lottery money to charities and voluntary groups who support those most in need and benefit the community"

TWIGS offers horticultural and gardening experiences to those with mental illnesses, plans work and other training programmes that will enable them to build on their skills and gives them confidence that will help them to move onto further employment.

Mr Wills said: "I am very pleased that the Fund is supporting community work in Swindon this way."