A former West Ham player helped a charity that provides holidays for disabled people and their carers open a new orchard garden.

Chelmsford City manager and ex-Hammers defender Kenny Brown attended the launch of the communal orchard at Revitalise's Jubilee Lodge in Chigwell, last Wedneday.

Revitalise guest Stephanie Griffiths cut the ribbon to officially open the garden.

The project was made possible by the support of a group of local supporters and The DIBS Charitable Trust, Thorndon Park Golf Club and the Friends of Jubilee Lodge.

Terry Gray, general manager at Jubilee Lodge, said: “This beautiful new garden will offer guests the opportunity to be outside in peaceful but energising surroundings, enjoy barbecues and outdoor soirees, or just have a cup of tea with a new or old friend in the sunshine. Being outside has physical and mental health benefits, and I’m delighted that Jubilee Lodge now has a space that will benefit staff, volunteers and guests.

“I thank Nick Fermor of Freshscape who designed the garden to capture the spirit of Revitalise and has filled it with plants that reflect our values and ideas. Revitalise exists to ensure that everyone can have a holiday and a break from their responsibilities, and the concept of planting a community Orchard was to create a place where can come together to talk, work and enjoy sampling fruits."

Jubilee Lodge has also had other recent refurbishments which includes a new look restaurant and restaurant courtyard with a barbecue and pizza oven.

Revitalise, which was founded in 1963 as the Winged Fellowship Trust, has three holiday centres – one in Essex, one in Southampton and one in Southport – where they provide accessible excursions, live entertainment, and activities, backed up by nurse-led care and volunteers.