A garden has been officially opened on the Noble’s Hospital estate thanks to the work and contributions of volunteers.

The new facility - called Sheeain Garey, which means ’Peace to Us’ in Manx Gaelic - has been developed thanks to the generous donation of time, equipment, plants, seating and other materials.

Three volunteers, who have been at the heart of the project for several months, performed the official opening, using gardening shears to cut a ribbon placed across the new willow archway that forms an entrance to the site.

Health Minister Kate Beecroft MHK described the garden, which is near the Manx Breast Unit and Private Patients Unit, as a ’tranquil oasis’.

Jan Mellows, divisional manager for core services at Noble’s Hospital, helped drive the project.

She said: ’Noble’s Hospital is surrounded by the Manx countryside and is well landscaped and I think this type of environment really benefits patients and staff.

’We wanted to make more of the space, introducing some colour with flowers and making it a haven, particularly for patients who want some time outside of the hospital.’