A NEW courtyard garden at Westmorland General Hospital has been officially opened by Kendal mayor Tom Clare.

The Community Roots Project for the small local charity Chestnut Events has been working there since Aug 2014, clearing and preparing one of the underused inner courtyard sites.

Thirty young people and eight adult volunteers from the community have been supported to clear areas, plant flowers and make raised beds with the potential of growing their own fruit and vegetables.

The courtyard has the potential to be used by some staff in their tea and lunch breaks.

Patients can also use the inner courtyard to enjoy the outside space.

The Community Roots Project provides a learning space by professionals to ensure volunteers have the opportunity to make friends, learn new skills and form part of a team that assists some local schools in the community maintain their school allotment and wild flower areas out of term time.