A community forest school and sensory garden has been chosen as a Bury shopping centre's new charity of choice.

Secret Garden at Hoyles Park runs sessions designed to bring the community together no matter ability income or background.

The charity received the highest number of votes in a recent public vote carried out by The Rock Shopping Centre to be the centre's charity.

At its base in Hoyles Park, the charity has many different zones to allow people to express themselves, develop skills all whilst being surrounded by nature.

They also host inclusive special educational needs sessions which provide a safe, secure space for children with disabilities to roam freely and explore the environment while parents and careers socialise and watch their child flourish.

The Rock’s centre director, Arnold Wilcox-Wood, said: “Over the past few weeks we held a public vote via our website.

"The Secret Garden is the cause which received the highest number of public votes.

“Our new partnership with the charity will begin from July 1 and we’re very much looking forward to working together to help them raise funds and awareness.

The charity is headed up by Jessica Fraser-Kelly.

She said: “We are over the moon to have been selected at The Rock’s new charity.

"This partnership will allow us to spread the word about our organisation, which in turn will allow us to support more people in the community, bring more people outdoors to thrive in nature, and help us raise funds towards our community space.”

READ NEXT > Bury leaders pay tribute to council boss who leaves behind 'enormous legacy'

READ NEXT > 'Hidden gem' to be at heart of ambitious plans to transform town

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to the Bury Times morning newsletter as well as our breaking news alerts

The Rock’s partnership with Liv’s Trust, which was created in memory of 15-year-old Olivia Campbell Hardy, who died in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017, will conclude at the end of June.

Arnold added: “We have enjoyed working very closely with everyone at Liv’s Trust over the past year and their dedication to the charity and Olivia’s legacy is outstanding.

"We are delighted to have raised over £4,500 to date for this wonderful cause during this time and we’re grateful to all our customers and retailers who have helped us to raise such a significant amount.

"We wish the charity and all those who they support the very best of luck moving forward.”