Residents who have moved into a new retirement village in Hornchurch have been given tips on making the most of their new balconies at a gardening event.

The new apartment owners at the Park Rise development in Sunrise Avenue were joined by prospective buyers and Havering Council members to find out more about gardening and to meet their neighbours.

The 95 apartments with one or two bedrooms have been built next to Harrow Lodge Park for over 55s choosing to downsize for their retirement.

They were shown what plants, pots and care is needed to keep the balconies at their new homes blooming all year round.

Homes are being made available at the new development as shared ownership for owners wanting to move into something more suited to their circumstances, as well as new council properties that have been rented out to tenants since the housing complex was completed last year.