One of the city’s best-loved charities has celebrated 20 years of helping people with learning difficulties and mental health problems.

Over the past two decades Earthworks St Albans has been offering trainees work experience and training in horticultural and land-based skills at their three acre site in Hixberry Lane.

The land has since been continually transformed and moulded into a patchwork of gardens, woodland, meadow and orchards.

The charity was founded by Elisabeth Hudson, who remained a key part of the project until her death in 2008. She campaigned passionately for better and more meaningful day provision, training, experience and social inclusion for people with learning difficulties.

The team has received numerous awards and accolades since its 1995 opening, including The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service by groups in the community in 2006.

They have gone from employing one member of staff to ten, with between four and ten volunteers helping around 50 adults with learning difficulties.

Some years have proven more difficult than others. In 2001 the site building was set ablaze and destroyed by arsonists. The same happened in 2011 when the replacement building was also raised to the ground by an arsonist’s fire.

Stephen Pike, who has been at the charity for ten years, said: “In both cases overwhelming support from local people and businesses and the determination of Earthworks members, volunteers and staff enabled Earthworks to swiftly reopen its doors and to re-build.”

Last year the charity opened its new building, The Warren - dedicated to the memory of Lynette Warren, a long standing and truly dedicated trustee of Earthworks who sadly passed away shortly before its completion.

To celebrate the anniversary, the charity held a summer fair at their site.

Mr Pike added: “Everyone involved feels very proud to have been here for two years.

“The physical transformation of the site is amazing – the place has transformed into a beautiful garden and it is nice that all the people that have come and gone over the years have left their mark.

“Earthworks continues to offer members a diverse and exciting range of outdoor activities and is a uniquely fun and friendly place to work and learn. Here’s to the next 20 years.”

The charity are holding a sponsored walk on Sunday, September 20.

Trainees, volunteers and supporters of Earthworks will be walking about four miles between the Nuffield Health Centre on Highfield Park Drive and the Hixberry Lane site via Highfield Park.

For more information, visit: www.earthworks.stalbans.co.uk.