TWO nursing homes are appealing for volunteers to help create sensory gardens for its residents.

Abbotsleigh Mews Residential and Nursing Home in Old Farm Road East, Sidcup, and Elmstead Residential Home in Elmstead Lane, Chislehurst, want helpers to roll up their sleeves and develop gardens which help stimulate the senses.

The two Bupa homes are working in partnership with the charity, Thrive, which specialises in building sensory gardens for elderly and disabled people.

Head of services at the charity, Tim Spurgeon, explained: "Sensory gardens can be enjoyed by everybody.

"We are encouraging Bupa to ensure that gardens are creatively designed using sculptures, running water and plants with bold shapes, strong scents and bright colours to stimulate all the senses."

To volunteer call Elmstead on 020 8467 0007 or Abbotsleigh Mews on 020 8308 9590.