YOUNG people have been lending some elbow grease to brighten up the lives of patients and staff at a specialist cancer centre.

Eleven members of the The Prince’s Trust in Bolton have helped to renovate the garden at the Royal Bolton Hospital's Churchill Unit.

Aged between 16 and 25, they raised more than £390 for their community project work.

Prince’s Trust Bolton team 45 leader Jessica Browning said: "It had overgrown plants and trees so they tidied it up, took control of it and made it ready for planting. They also got lots of wooden fencing and planters and have chosen different colours to paint them up.

"The group looked at a number of different community projects but chose this one.

"There is such a big benefit to the community because it's a special space for patients at the unit and their families, a place for them to go and relax. It is a place enjoyed by both visitors and staff.

"It has been a really rewarding and enjoyable experience for the group and comments from staff and patients about how much of a massive difference it has made has been really positive.

"It exceeded its expectations with how rewarding it was and we are glad to be able to give the patients, nurses and doctors a more presentable place to relax and spend their free time."

The Churchill Unit is based in the hospital grounds and provides treatments such as chemotherapy for cancer patients and care for patients and their families.

Back in July the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust (FT) heard from an appeal from a patient and their family for the unit's garden to receive some of its own care.

They asked for the 'over-grown' area to be cleaned-up in order to provide a comfortable and relaxing haven for fellow patients and their families – with the garden providing a vital role in helping people recover.

This week the Prince's Trust team will be helping to plant spring bulbs – ready to flower for next year – and paint the new planters and fences before the revamped space is officially opened on November 17.

Following the event, the Bolton trust will continue the good work with more planting scheduled, with flora and fauna bought thanks to the funds raised by the team of youngsters.

This is not the first garden in the hospital to receive a facelift this year, with volunteers and sponsors helping to develop a sensory garden in the ophthalmology department and open the new memorial garden in September.

Andy Lee, fundraiser at Bolton NHS FT, said: "I think its a really important to be part of the community and fantastic work by everyone involved.

"In this particular project all the young people from the Prince's Trust have been fantastic and really are ambassadors for what a difference young people can make!"

Andy Lee, fundraiser at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust