A HOSPICE has been given £12,000 to help create a new sensory garden.

St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham was given the funding following a vote by shoppers at Tesco stores in Dragonville, Durham Market Place, Langley Moor and North Road, Durham.

It will go towards creating a sensory garden at the hospice which is designed to be dementia friendly and will provide a safe environment which will encourage gentle exercise and to improve the well-being of palliative care patients.

The money will go towards landscaping the garden to stimulate all five senses with things like edible flowers, fragrent herbs and a water feature which will prove the sound of running water.

Meanwhile Sherburn Primary School was given £10,000 and St Godric’s Primary School, in Framwellgate Moor, was given £8,000 for outdoor projects.

The scheme has been introduced at Tesco stores across the country following the introduction of charges for plastic bags.

The funding is available for groups to develop outdoor spaces.

Mark Thomas, corporate affairs manager for the North of England, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response of our customers and it’s been great to give people a say on how the money will be spent in their community.

“We can’t wait to see the money being used to bring these projects to life.”

The scheme is being altered to people can vote all year round for projects, with more, smaller pots of money will be available.

Anyone can nominate local projects.