SYRIANS taking refuge in Sussex are learning a range of skills thanks to local charity ETC Sussex which is finding support from businesses.

Among the firms helping is Newhaven’s Paradise Park garden centre and tourist attraction which has generously donated plants and materials to enable a garden to be created.

Charity chairman Peter Carcas said: “We were asked by some of our students who are learning English with us if they could have a garden so they could grow vegetables.

“We found them some space, which they cleared, and we approached Paradise Park for help.

“Our students are mainly refugees from overseas conflicts, including many from Syria, so as well as benefiting from the produce, gardening is a great therapy for them.”

The Avis Road company is known for supporting community projects.

Sales director Mark Gilbert said: “We were delighted to step in and help when we found out what was wanted and wish the students every success with their gardening project.”

ETC Sussex provides English courses to refugees at its centres in Brighton and Hastings.