A SOCIAL enterprise has been recognised for their work in the local community.

Health Lottery organised a celebratory party with RainbowBiz CIC to showcase to local supporters the work they do with their project - Digging Deeside.

Digging Deeside is a project that aims to bring people together through gardening and was previously awarded a £32,419 grant from People’s Health Trust with money raised through The Health Lottery Wales.

Sue Oliver, director, said: "It's absolutely wonderful to see so many volunteers and supporters of RainbowBiz here at the Health Lottery celebration."

The event was organised by Health Lottery Wales after they smashed their target of raising £6m and has supported 169 local charities in Wales.

Isaac Van Hauwaert, told the Leader: "I enjoy engaging with my community through this gardening project. It's nice to share knowledge and gain more through working with different kinds of people. I enjoy the social side of it too, it's nice to engage with other people."

Sarah Way from RainbowBiz CIC led a tour of the allotment to showcase first-hand the work the project is doing to bring people in the community together through a love for gardening and the outdoors.

The event saw local councillors coming to show their support, including Connah's Quay and Shotton councillors, students from Coleg Cambria and Social Enterprise Development Lead Officer for Flintshire County Council, Mike Dodd.

Cllr Aaron Shotton said: "It's really great to follow the progress of RainbowBiz and Digging Deeside in particular. It started out in the early days as a newly pledged social enterprise and it's great to be able to support the small groups and support social enterprises through our dedicated officer Mike Dodd."

With the sun shining, it didn’t take long before local councillors and mascot Baxter Bear grabbed a spade and alongside project members and began digging and sowing new seeds for future growth and prosperity.

Cllr Andy Dunbobbin, newly elected chair for Connah's Quay Recreation and Entertainment Committee, said: "I'm following in the steps of the previous chair and her tremendous efforts, she's done a great job.

"I aim to build and develop our relationships further, not only with Digging Deeside but Mill Lane Allotments. It's about us all working together for the benefit of our community."

Digging Deeside meet every Tuesday across the area and on the day, the project was praised for its excellent work in the community.

Cllr Martin White said he volunteered last summer as part of the Well-Being Act working for Jack Sargeant AM.

He added: "Last summer I went several times and met with all people involved. I really enjoyed it, it's great. It's nice to see everyone is involved and they all had a smile on their face.

"At the end of the day, allotments are there to be seen and they all do a brilliant job."

Oliver Kiddell, Health Lottery Social Manager, said: "It's really important to us at Heath Lottery that we are firmly rooted in the local community. Digging Deeside is a shining example of the kind of projects our players can be the driving force behind.

"I was much looking forward to this event, I've met groups who run projects but it's the first time for me I have visited one of the projects directly. It's a fantastic experience.

"This month at Health Lottery all tickets bought will help raise money for causes in Wales - that will run until the end of the month."