A garden centre in Aspatria has adopted a new safer way of working, by introducing a drive-through facility for shoppers.

As lockdown restrictions are lifted across the country for garden centres, manager of Grow West, Adele Tyson, was keen for customers to get green fingered again.

But she was determined to keep staff and the public as safe as possible.

The garden centre reopened on Monday, with a one-way system drive through policy introduced, meaning that customers did not need to ever leave their cars.

They can drive around the site to view the plants, with selections being placed in their cars by staff wearing personal protective equipment, including a shield visor and mask.

Customers can also pay by contactless payment.

Adele said that the transition from walk around to drive-through shopping has gone very smoothly. Only one or two customers have been unaware and a little surprised at the new approach.

Trade has been good at the garden centre since the new arrangements.

Adele said that Monday and Wednesday were exceptionally busy, but it was a little quieter on Tuesday as the weather was gloomier.

She said: “On the whole, it’s gone really well, it’s all gone quite smoothly and people can keep to the social distancing. Quite a few people have been to collect plants that they had ordered, which has been great as we only have two vehicles, but we will get around to delivering the rest soon.

“It’s good for anyone elderly or social distancing as they don’t have to get out of the car, and we are trying to minimise any risk as much as possible.”