MORE than 100 people – and a giant badger in a football strip – enjoyed a street party in the sunshine as Beith Community Garden officially opened on Saturday, May 21.

Revellers were greeted by Beith Juniors’ friendly mascot Bellsdale Badger while enjoying hot and cold snacks and live performances.

Entertainment included singing from 12-year-old Beith Primary pupil Rachel Montgomery, who was fundraising for Beith Cancer Support, and free face-painting by Dionne Strachan from Irvine-based Tini Designs.

Also lending their support were Kenneth Gibson MSP and his wife Patricia Gibson MP, Dr Audrey Sutton from North Ayrshire Council, and Councillor Anthea Dickson.

Norrie Brown, coordinator at Beith Orr Park Neighbourhood Watch, told the Herald: “It was a really super day.

“The garden has been a fabulous community project from start to finish and the support from local people and businesses has been enormous.

“Rachael Montgomery raised about £85 on the day for Beith Cancer Support, which is absolutely brilliant. She’s got the most fantastic wee voice.”

Phyllis Beggar, treasurer at Beith Orr Park Neighbourhood Watch, said that she wished to thank the Community Payback Group and the John Muir Trust, who both did a lot of preparation in the initial laying out of the garden. She also thanked the First Response Team.

She added: “A big thank you to everyone who turned out . The weather relented and the sun shone making for a pleasant day for the event.

“We hope that everyone in Beith will get some pleasure in having somewhere to sit down and rest weary legs in pleasant surroundings on a nice day.”