Clapham Common community garden wins £1,000

A community garden in Clapham Common is celebrating after scooping a £1,000 grant from London's leading decorating and DIY specialists.

Volunteers at Bandstand Beds are looking forward to buying power tools after being named as one of the winners of Leyland SDM's Give London a Lift campaign.

Each month, Leyland SDM is presenting two good causes with £1,000 credit to spend at one of its 30 stores across the capital.

Bandstand Beds provides the community with a place to grow fruit and vegetables as well as hosting special gardening events.

David Dandridge, chair of Bandstand Beds, said: "We are all about giving local people a place to enjoy gardening while building up new relationships and friendships. Many people in London don't have a garden so this is a really valuable resource for them.

"We're thrilled to win this prize from Leyland SDM.

"We can't wait to visit Leyland Clapham Junction and spend the money. The garden is in need of a new set of DIY tools for constructing plant beds and other general maintenance work.

"The garden has no power tools of its own and has to rely on the generosity of volunteers to lend their own personal tools.

"This is a huge boost and will greatly improve the visual appearance of the garden."

Leyland SDM, which has a store in Clapham Junction on St John's Hill, is running the materials giveaway competition for a second year to help community groups, organisations and charities.

There are 10 prizes of £1,000 in-store credit to be won through Give London a Lift – which is being backed by former England and Arsenal footballer Paul Merson - until October.

Paul Gerreli, marketing director at Leyland SDM, said: "We're delighted to be able to support Bandstand Beds through Give London a Lift.

"It's a great project which gives people opportunities they otherwise wouldn't have. Gardening is an excellent way for people to make new connections and find companionship.

"Our team at Clapham Junction will work with the group to ensure they get all the materials they need.

"Give London a Lift is open to entries until October so I'd urge more groups to apply to see if we can help."

Organisations can apply online each month, detailing why they believe they would by worthy recipients of the £1,000, and winners will be chosen by a team of judges.

The money can be spent on anything from paint to tools and electrical wiring to plumbing parts.

Applications can be made on the Leyland SDM website.

Leyland SDM has become one of the most recognisable and trusted decorating and DIY retail brands in central London with stores in some of the capital's most prominent locations.