Before the garden at BASIC, on East King Street, was refurbished the centre was surrounded by concrete and gravel, meaning the children were unable to play or do activities outside.

But thanks to a £3,200 grant from Seafarers UK, all-weather grass has been put up at the side of the building as well as a garden and raised patio area at the back.

Sue Macartney, development worker at the charity, said the garden had been a major boost to the organisation.

She said: “It’s just fantastic for the children because it means they are able to get outside in a safe environment with all their toys and the play equipment.

“This whole area before was just gravel so to see the children playing outside now is fantastic.” Workers and volunteers at the centre celebrated the official opening of the facilities with a garden party, which was packed out with families.

Children enjoyed playing on a bouncy castle and a visit from entertainment company Join The Dots, with the warm weather ensuring the day was a success.

Ms Macartney said: “We have been absolutely inundated with home baking.

“We had had lots of families so it was busy all morning. We had Jill from Join The Dots who did crafts with the children and it went really well.” Members of the naval community rallied round BASIC’s cause and earlier this year, a team of workers got to work on removing the surface so the garden could get laid down.

PD Landscapes put up the raised patio area at the back while Thistle All Weather Surfaces provided the grass.

Ms Macartney said: “Thanks to PD Landscapes and Thistle, they have been fantastic.” BASIC started off its life at bases in Smuggler’s Way and Churchill before it moved into its new premises at East King Street early this year.

The organisation was founded by naval wives for forces families but now supports families throughout Helensburgh.

It offers a wide range of activities for families including a breakfast club, creche facilities, and games areas, which includes a Nintendo Wii games console.

Ms Macartney said BASIC had gone from strength-to-strength in recent times, adding: “We now have a waiting list for our school-age children for the after school club.

“Our creche has run tremendously well, in fact our creche has probably grown by about 30 per cent and we still have some spaces available.” More information about BASIC and their facilities are available by visiting www.basicchildcare.co.uk or calling 01436 67966.