VOLUNTEERS are needed to help tend and develop a hospice garden.

Managers at Hartlepool and District Hospice, in Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, are desperately looking for people to maintain and cultivate the garden areas used by patients and their families.

They are hoping to find a group of enthusiastic volunteers who can share the project under the supervision of hospice management working one or two hours a week.

Carol Burdess, the hospice's housekeeping and catering manager, said: "The development of the gardens at Hartlepool and District Hospice are very important to the well-being and happiness of our patients and their families.

"They offer wonderful views from the in-patient bedrooms and a tranquil area for patients and their loved ones to sit, chat and relax."

Hartlepool and District Hospice has about 3,000sq ft of land surrounding its new £2m hospice, near to the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Although the area has been grassed and planted with a number of trees, hospice chiefs are keen to continue developing the area into a peaceful and attractive outdoor area.

Volunteer gardeners could help with a number of tasks including watering, edging, planting, grass cutting and pruning.

For further information contact Ms Burdess, at Hartlepool and District Hospice, on (01429) 855555.