GREEN-fingered David Turnbull will be nurturing visitors as well as plants as part of his new role.

The Helmsley Walled Garden employee is working as a horticultural therapist at the tourist attraction.

Now, thanks to a £600 grant from York Diocese Social Care Fund he will be studying therapy at Askham Bryan College.

Head gardener Paul Radcliffe said the cash would allow David to spend one day a week at the college.

"The garden provides horticultural therapy to help a wide range of conditions, from depression to schizophrenia, terminal illness to social isolation.

"David will be able to put his knowledge into practice at the garden, and the skills he learns will be shared with the other staff and volunteers for everyone's benefit."

Updated: 09:53 Wednesday, April 16, 2003