Ayrshire residents are being invited to show their support for a local social care charity at its annual Strawberry Tea event next month.

The popular event, organised by Hansel, will be held on May 18 at Lindy's Tearoom, Broadmeadows, Symington.

Along with lunch, people can enjoy a hanging basket demonstration by Sheena Johnstone, the charity's grounds maintenance supervisor.

Ayr Advertiser: The popular Strawberry Tea, organised by Hansel, will be held on May 18 at Lindys Tearoom,

With the date coinciding with the Fascination of Plants Day, the demonstration will focus on how to plant a basket to encourage nature into the garden.

Alyson Reid, employment, education and catering team lead at Hansel said: “Lindy's Tearoom and the Grounds Maintenance team are part of the Hansel social enterprise business, Hansel 3e, which seeks to develop opportunities for people who want to work through a number of routes including Employability and volunteering programmes, supported businesses, and Education and Enterprise programmes.”

Hansel is a social care charity that has been operating for 61 years, offering a range of services to people with additional support needs all across Ayrshire.

Tickets are priced at £15, or £12 if purchased before May 1, and can be purchased directly from Lindy's Tearoom or by calling 01563 831437.

Ayr Advertiser: With the date coinciding with the Fascination of Plants Day, the demonstration will focus on how to

Hansel was established in 1963 by Ayrshire couple Isobel and Tom Murdoch. 

They had read groundbreaking work by Professor Jack Tizard, who concluded that the quality of life for children with learning disabilities is greatly improved if a homely style of care and support is provided.

They bought the Broadmeadows estate near Symington to create a stimulating living environment for their daughter Lindy and other young people with similar support needs.

Within two years the charity had established its first employment opportunities through the opening of gardening, knitwear and pottery sheltered workshops.

The tearoom, named in Lindy's memory, was set up at the former recreation hall on the Broadmeadows estate, and is open to the general public as well as being the hub of the estate for residents, staff and visitors.