Man praised for taking on community's gardens

A man who started offering gardening services for free in his spare time after seeing a negative social media post about the state of someone's plot in his town has been praised by residents.

Stephen Jalland, from March in Cambridgeshire, said he now helps about three people a week, for free, alongside his handyman and mechanical business.

"There are various people struggling and it is nice for myself to go and talk with these people," said the 57-year-old.

"Once I have started going to homes and helping people, the satisfaction of helping and getting to know someone is lovely... you're creating friendships."

Stephen said his normal work had not been as busy recently, so thought he would offer some help in his free time.

"Since that Facebook [post], I have been inundated with messages asking for help with bits and pieces," he said.

One of his customers - Iris Owen - had both her front and back garden sorted by him.

The 84-year-old, who lost her husband about 12 years ago, said she "appreciated it very much".

"This man came along and said he does gardens for free, so I couldn't refuse... and he spent one day doing it.

"It was very kind of him, and I really appreciate it as I could never have done that.

"It was brilliant and he was brilliant."

Jayne Vango contacted Stephen after spotting that her neighbour Iris "needed a bit of help".

"At first you think someone's doing something for free, but he is just a brilliant human," she said.

"He has done an absolutely fabulous job... I was very grateful to him for helping her."

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