A garden which brings joy to patients at Macclesfield District General Hospital has received an award.

The dementia garden on Ward 9, funded entirely by East Cheshire NHS Trust Charity, picked up a silver prize at the recent North West Bloom Awards.

Activities co-ordinator Lisa Nixon, who manages the garden and regularly raises funds for it, attended the awards ceremony with volunteer Elizabeth.

"We were over the moon to have been nominated for Northwest Britain in Bloom hospital category and delighted to have brought home a silver award," said Lisa.

"The dementia garden means a great deal to so many patient's relatives and staff.

"Over the last few years volunteer Elizabeth and I have worked hard to create a relaxing tranquil space full of colourful and sensory plants.

"This brings a sense of peace, calm and joy to patients who are often struggling with the challenges of being in hospital."

Activities co-ordinator Lisa Nixon and volunteer Elizabeth with the award (Credit: ECNHST)

North West in Bloom is the voluntary regional organisation that administers the Britain in Bloom competition in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, and is one of the 18 regions and Nations that comprise Britain in Bloom.

Judges visited Ward 9 earlier in the year to view the garden and all the money and hard work which has gone into the project.

Lily Preston, fundraising and events manager at East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: "I'm very proud of Lisa, Elizabeth and everyone else involved with the garden.

"They've worked so hard to create something wonderful and no-one deserves the award more than them."