New planters have been unveiled at Honiton train station - created by Dementia Friendly Honiton.

The planter was designed by local artist Phil Creek. The project was financially supported by South Western Railway’s Small Grants Fund and is part of a wider project in which a number of local community groups and charities have created planters, each decorated with unique artworks. The project is coordinated by The Friends of Honiton Station, the station adoption group for the station.

Paula Aldridge, South Western Railway’s community rail manager, said: “Planters are one of the ways in which our station adopters make their stations brighter and more welcoming for customers. They are also a project that groups can work on together, allowing them an opportunity to meet and socialise with friends.

“South Western Railway is delighted to have supported this project and look forward to seeing the planter and flowers brightening up Honiton station for a long time to come.”

Heather Penwarden, chair of Dementia Friendly Honiton said: “Our planter was designed with love by our Honiton Memory Cafe Friends and we are most grateful to local artist Phil Creek for bringing our creations to life on the trough. Our plants have been chosen to stimulate each of the five senses. We are all very pleased with the end result and hope the display will be enjoyed by all rail travellers passing through Honiton.”

Martin Long, chairman of The Friends of Honiton Station said: “We are delighted to welcome Dementia Friendly Honiton to the station. Their group does incredibly important work in our town, and we are pleased to showcase their activities in this creative and interesting way.”

The new planter joins others at the station created by groups including Honiton Carers, Honiton Health Matters, Open Arms East Devon, Parental Minds CIC, #BroCheck, Honiton Scouts, The Beehive and Honiton Carnival Club.

Heather Penwarden went on to say: “Gardening is a hobby enjoyed by many people with dementia and it has been a pleasure for us all to come together on this project.

“Honiton Memory Cafe Friends and volunteers have also enjoyed taking part in the Chatty Train initiative with an afternoon out for a cream tea up the line in Axminster. We all love our train station and enjoy sharing many happy memories of train journeys taken over the years.”