A special community garden in Beckton which stores rain water to support growing plants was officially opened this week.

The Renfrew Rain Garden, in Renfrew Close, was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Newham, Councillor Lester Hudson on Tuesday, and has been designed to harvest rain water from the roofs of nearby houses.

The water is channelled into special basins, instead of the drainage system, which then allows the water to be soaked up by the soil and the plants.

The garden, which has been funded by the Environment Agency, was created by a partnership including Newham Council’s Community Neighbourhood team, Groundwork London, Thames Water and the University of East London.

The garden also includes a play area for children – with a stepping stone path of boulders and a balancing beam - as well as an ornamental area providing space where people can relax.

Councillor Hudson said: “Once again this is a fantastic example of a wide range of partners and residents coming together to create an environment that can be enjoyed by the local community whether for play, relaxation or education.

“The grass, flowers and plants are brought to life in an innovative, sustainable and environmentally friendly way. It is a scheme of many benefits which I know the community will enjoy for many years to come.”