WEYMOUTH Civic Society handed over a special award to hard-working residents for their efforts towards the Chiswell Walled Garden on Portland.

President John Reeby presented the plaque to members of the Chiswell Community Trust at a barbecue party to mark their achievements.

The site was picked out by Weymouth Civic Society for various features including its charming, enclosed garden' and attractive planting'.

Mr Reeby said: "We thought the garden was rather marvellous so we decided to give the trust the special award.

"They've landscaped and planted it and it's been very nicely done. Now it's somewhere quiet where people can go away from the traffic and sit and enjoy themselves."

The stone plaque will now sit on the outside wall of the garden in Chiswell High Street.

Weymouth Civic Society, which aims to promote and preserve the borough, normally offers an annual award for good restoration of a building or new development.

But members did not give one last year because they felt there were no local buildings worthy of the accolade.

The Chiswell Walled Garden was given the special award because it does not qualify for the annual award as it is not a building.