Youngsters using Budleigh Salterton’s library now have a new garden where they can relax and read, thanks to retiring mayor Councillor Tom Wright and his wife, Angie.

Two-year-old Josie Ward is pictured here sitting in the new children’s garden at Budleigh Salterton library.

The new area was the brainchild of Angie Wright, the wife of Budleigh Salterton’s retiring mayor, Councillor Tom Wright.

Angie, a regular user of the town’s library, came up with the idea to mark her husband’s year as mayor after spotting the previous planted area had been damaged by the winter weather.

The new equipment was made possible thanks to a donation left to the library from a keen reader, and cash set aside for library improvements.

Councillor Wright and his wife made up the cash shortfall and also donated tubs, plants and several garden ornaments.

Margaret Hallett, assistant-in-charge at the library, said: “The new garden space will be a safe, calm and colourful area for children to sit and enjoy their books.

“A big thank you goes to everyone involved in this wonderful gift to the library.”