A Dumbarton pensioner has revitalised communal garden beds by using the £50 donation she received from a housing association.

Mary Marshall from Methlan Park spent the funds from Loretto Housing Association to buy more than 40 plants to put into a raised garden area.

The garden is now blooming thanks to the contribution from her social landlord.

Mary, 68, said: "I've lived here for four years and it's a lovely place, but the garden area was needing looked after, so I started tidying it.

"I've been doing the garden since lockdown, and these new plants have made a big difference."

With some help from her neighbour Isobel Allan to clear the space, Mary managed to single-handedly plant all the new flowers.

The former distillery worker added: "It's so nice to be able to sit out and enjoy the raised beds.

"My neighbours are all delighted that it's done and keep telling me how nice it is.

"I love doing the garden, it's really relaxing, and I now have my eye on other areas of the garden."

Loretto Housing is a part of the Wheatley Group.

The homes at Methlan Park were built as Livingwell houses, which are homes for people aged above 55.

Laura Henderson, managing director of Loretto Housing Association, said: "Mary has done a phenomenal job tidying up the beds and making them look lovely.

"Through Mary’s housing officer, we were happy to be able to arrange the donation to help her create the garden space.

"It’s lovely to see the residents take part in activities such as gardening and, hopefully, this will inspire other tenants to get involved."