THE smell of herbs and the sound of wind chimes filled the air yesterday at the opening of a garden.

The garden, which is designed to stimulate the senses, was created by volunteers for the elderly residents of Westmoor View Home in Marton, Middlesbrough.

It features a shrubbery dedicated to the Queen Mother, plus herbs, bird tables, sculptures and chimes.

Home manager Lesley Tart said: "We are a Bupa home and Bupa gave 60 of its homes in the country £500 to create something in the grounds. The idea was to actually build up the relationship between volunteers in the community and the homes themselves."

The garden was designed by local schoolchildren and members of a nearby disability group created pots and statues. Youngest to help out was seven-year-old Molly Hind, a member of staff's daughter, while the oldest was Bob Trewhitt, 82, the husband of a resident.

"The garden is absolutely brilliant and the residents love it," said Ms Tart.

"We've now had to make it phase one as the next thing they want to do is create a gazebo and water feature."