THE first shoots of spring were on show as older residents dug in for a free gardening event.

At a First Time for Everything class at the Royal Voluntary Service Shaw Dining Club, in Victoria Gardens, green-fingered guests got stuck into soil testing, seed planting and advice on spring planting for borders, hanging baskets and tubs.

Led by local horticulturist, Alan Price, from Oldham Lifelong Learning, the event was part of First Time for Everything, a programme designed by Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential to give older people in Rochdale and Oldham an opportunity to try something new for free in their local community.

Rachael Needley, a service user from Rochdale, who attended spring gardening event, said: “It was nice to try something new, very interesting and I learned a lot. I enjoyed the company and am looking forward to the next activity.”

Joan Hamilton, service co-ordinator for the Royal Voluntary Service in Rochdale, said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many local people enjoying our First Time for Everything activities.

"Thanks to funding from Prudential, we have lots more exciting events coming up and hope that even more older people, their carers and families will come along. It’s never too late to try something for the first time.”

The next Prudential First Time for Everything event at Shaw Dining Club is Holistic Therapies on April 26, from 1.30-3.30pm.

Royal Voluntary Service relies on support from local volunteers to help run First Time for Everything events and other social activities and is looking for more volunteers to join its friendly, dedicated team.

For more information about activities, services or to find out more about local volunteering opportunities, contact Royal Voluntary Service on 0161 871 2011, email joan.hamilton@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/get-help.