A SENSORY garden planted in memory of tragic Big Issue seller Ralph Millward has been unveiled in Westbourne.

Homeless Ralph, 41, was viciously beaten to death outside Marks and Spencer by three teenagers in 2009 after he refused to hand over his cigarettes.

Jimmy Ayres, just 14-years-old at the time, Craig Real, 16, and Warren Crago, also 16, were convicted of his manslaughter the following year.

Since then there has been a memorial at the spot where Mr Millward died but Rev Chris Colledge has now developed a sensory garden there as part of Westbourne in Bloom and Bournemouth in Bloom.

"There has been a memorial there since he died but we have decided to take it a step further and create a sensory and tactile garden which can be enjoyed by everyone" he said.

"Ralph was a homeless man who was very popular in the area and I think this highlights that we should consider all vulnerable people in our society.

"Plants have been specially chosen, some for blind people to touch and others with distinctive smells for people who cannot see them or who are deaf."

The garden has been created as part of Westbourne in Bloom's contribution to this year's floral competitions. Pedestals and baskets have also been planted and flowers adorn the arcade. Judging will take place in the area on July 14 with Britain in Bloom judges in town in August.

Chris is chairman of Bournemouth in Bloom and urged members of the public to enter the competition. Categories range from large hotel to small front garden and from restaurants to window boxes.

Got to bournemouthinbloom.co.uk for details of how to enter. The deadline is June 17.