NEW gardens at East Lancashire Hospice were officially opened with a garden party for supporters after a grant was awarded to fund the work.

The hospice received £105,000 and designed the features with patients in mind on land which was formerly wild.

Patients, volunteers, staff and their families gathered at the garden party to celebrate the completion of the new outside space which was funded by the Department of Health Capital Grants Scheme.

Guest of honour was X Factor singer Reece Bibby, from Accrington.

The gardens have been developed with patients in mind to provide an outside space for relaxation and enjoyment.

The space enhances the outdoor environment to maximise the use and joy that the garden can offer to patients, families and carers.

This has been achieved by the creation of different settings for different needs, whether this for privacy, company, tranquillity, or activity. The aim is to inspire the users and visitors to the garden, allowing them to enjoy it with all their senses and giving patients, relatives, friends and children lasting happy memories in a number of ways.

The gardens aim to inspire visitors to explore them – a walk will take them from the ornamental reflection garden with the sound of rippling water and the scent of flowers to the light adapted shade of the grove vegetation.

This will then lead to the park area with its flowering meadow, flowing on to winding paths taking visitors to the secret woodland, a corridor to an almost forgotten garden.

An amphitheatre has been created in the meadow where outside events can take place by local artists and schools allowing patients new experiences in a safe environment.

Community and drama groups are now being invited to hold an event for patients, volunteers and the community within the new garden.

Groups can contact Sharon Crymble on 01254 733410.