BALCONIES at a block of new apartments have bloomed after a developer joined forces with the Walton Lea Partnership (WLP).

David Wilson Homes North West commissioned the charity, which has a walled garden site off Chester Road, to create a number of striking planters using upcycled material as part of the 'window box' garden project at the Walton Locks properties.

A team of beneficiaries from WLP, which provides supported employment for adults with learning disabilities and mental health issues, worked tirelessly to create custom pieces made from materials including former dining chairs and palettes.

Julie Groom, from WLP, said: "We're delighted to work with David Wilson Homes and our team has worked very hard to create these pieces for the balconies at Walton Locks.

"The team took the time to choose plants which suit the lifestyles of the apartments' future owners – that's young professionals, which is why we chose hardy herbs which are easy to care for and work well in summer salads, or even better, summer drinks such as Pimm's and mojitos.

"The WLP and those it supports have a huge amount of experience when it comes to upcycling and creating everything from garden furniture and accessories to items for inside the home."