Dobbies officially opened its brand new Garden World at Ashford, Kent today, as the company steams ahead with its ambitious expansion plans.

The £8m, 48,000sq ft centre is Dobbies' most environmentally-friendly store in England, with a timber frame and renewable energy systems such as grey water recycling.

The company also announced a £4,000 Here We Grow bursary to supply free equipment, support and expertise to the local community, including schools, charities and care centres, to inspire people to 'get growing'.

Dobbies chief executive James Barnes said: "We are delighted to open our newest centre in Ashford which we believe is a concept for a new generation of garden centres in the UK. The Garden World is in keeping with our provenance and heritage as expert horticulturalists since 1865 whilst providing a modern destination for today's customer."

The centre, which is the fourth to be built in the new sustainable style (after Aberdeen, Lisburn and Braehead), will employ 120 people in the main garden centre as well its locally-supplied Farm Foodhall and restaurant.