A GREEN-fingered Barnardo’s volunteer from Oxford has been rewarded for his help at a disabled children’s centre in Headington.

Eric Stenton, 55, from Grandpont, has been transforming the garden of Viking House Centre in Saxon Way since the spring.

He has helped turn the garden from an under-used space into an area for the children to enjoy.

The centre is run by Barnardo’s, a charity especially close to Mr Stenton’s heart after he gave up work 10 years ago to care for his autistic son, Rory.

The dad-of-three said: “When Rory was younger, he used to go to a club run by Barnardo’s. I just love coming in and helping. As long as the people at the centre are happy, that’s all that matters to me.”

Mr Stenton, pictured with Kate Payne, Barnardo’s volunteer co-ordinator, won the regional heats of the Marsh Trust Awards and pledged his £200 award to Barnardo’s.

He will now go forward into the national competition against others who have shown an “exceptional level of support and commitment”.

Mrs Payne said “Eric’s a real godsend and we’re very lucky to have him. The garden makes such a difference to the children here.”