A community-minded gardener proudly collected an award on behalf of a Canning Town garden with a difference.

The GreEn 16 project in Freemasons Road earned a nomination in the Gardening Against All Odds awards for recycling unwanted builders bags and food cartons by turning them into vegetable planting areas.

Freshly-grown potatoes, Brussels sprouts, garlic and herbs are expected to sprout within weeks.

Jean McQuaid was presented with her award of merit at a recent event at the Syon House Great Conservatory.

She said she was “over the moon with excitement” to have collected the certificate.

Mrs McQuaid said: “We all work hard as a team to keep the garden well attended.

“But they were all so happy for me to receive this award and said how I deserved it, they are such good friends bless them.

“I also had a photo taken with Alan Titchmarsh, David Bellamy and Susan Hampshire. They all congratulated me and had a chat about our garden and they were lovely people.”

Residents in Normandy Terrace and Maywynne House spent a year transforming the former derelict space into an attractive outdoor area.

The Gardening Against All Odds awards is a national scheme organised by the Conservation Foundation and the Sunday Telegraph.