A PLACE of peace and quiet is blooming marvellous thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers.

The Garden of Tranquility at Bolton Hospice has blossomed into a garden oasis since it was created in 2007 thanks to the concentrated efforts of a dozen volunteers.

The 12 volunteers attend the garden in the Chorley New Road hospice every Wednesday morning.

Gail Lowe, aged 65, a keen gardener, has been volunteering for almost three years. She said: "I think the hospice does such a wonderful job and it's a privilege to be part of the team."

She and her son Russell, aged 36, recently renovated the hospice's summerhouse bringing it back to its former glory after the hospice said it could not afford to replace it.

Mrs Lowe added: "The gardens are beautiful but they're only beautiful because we keep them nice."

Margaret Brabbin, volunteer co-ordinator at Bolton Hospice, said, “They are all stars! Our garden volunteers work in all-weather to ensure the garden looks spectacular week in and week out throughout the year.

"It’s been wonderful for our patients and their families to sit out and enjoy the beautiful garden in such lovely weather for the past few weeks.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you on behalf of all the staff, patients, and families at Bolton Hospice for all their hard work, the hospice grounds wouldn’t look as fantastic as they do without them!”

In 2006 The Bolton News ran an appeal to raise money to transform the hospice gardens and in April 2007 the £100, 000 target was reached.

Hundreds of personal donations, charity events and cash from companies contributed to the hugely successful campaign, which saw the gardens at Bolton Hospice transformed into an idyllic open space.

The Garden of Tranquillity is a beautiful and peaceful space at Bolton Hospice for patients and their families to enjoy. Each week the volunteers prune, weed and mow the gardens to keep them tidy and keep up with the painting, sweeping and planting.