Londoners are being asked to hand over their unwanted keys to help unlock the potential of homeless and disadvantaged people.

'The Key' is the name of a unique show garden being planned for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May and thousands of keys are needed to line its pathways. Unwanted keys can be donated at Timpson locksmiths throughout the London area.

The garden is the product of a unique and ambitious collaboration between the Homes and Communities Agency, Communities and Local Government, the Eden Project and Homeless Link.  Designed by Paul Stone of the Eden Project, who already has a clutch of Chelsea gold medals under his belt, the garden will be created using plants grow by homeless people and prisoners around the country.

Paul Stone, who is working on the design with the charity Architecture sans Frontières-UK, said: 'The idea behind the garden is that it echoes the life journeys that people are making. It is a symbol of being locked up - whether in prison or just by a lack of opportunity - but also a means of opening doors and being released.'

He continued: 'We need tonnes of keys for the paths so we would like the people of London to dig deep in their pockets and give us their old and unwanted ones. The Key is a catalyst for long-term change and ongoing work, by increasing employment prospects for the participants who have gained new life skills and training through their involvement in the project.'

The garden will highlight the work of Places of Change, an £80 million capital improvement funding programme managed by the Homes and Communities Agency which seeks to improve services for people who are homeless.

The programme aims to identify, encourage, engage and realise the potential of homeless people enabling them to move on with, and turn around, their lives. Thanks to the programme's support, to date over 500 people have entered employment.

Richard Cunningham, HCA's manager in charge of the Places of Change programme added: 'The RHS garden is not only a practical way of showcasing the types of abilities and skills that are being developed across our whole programme but it's also a real opportunity for those service users involved to gain on the job experience that will be of immense value in the future. Nationally, our programme offers practical support and training that gives people a great chance to release their potential and change their lives.'

The Key Garden aims to be completely sustainable. All the materials used are from recycled or sustainable sources. After the show the garden will be broken down and re-used.