ST HELENS Hospital’s gardens have been named as the Best in the North West at the prestigious ‘North West in Bloom’ awards for the eighth year running.

Whiston Hospital also won gold for the sixth year running in the Awards, which took place in Southport and were attended by community gardeners from across the region.

The judges of the award paid tribute to the Trust, which covers both hospitals, its partners David J Platt Landscape Ltd, and the numerous businesses who sponsor the gardens, for the high level of commitment and attention paid to the hospitals' environments whilst enhancing the patient experience.

Both sites were awarded for; the horticultural and imaginative aspects of its grounds and gardens; the grounds cleanliness and sustainable development; and the community involvement at both sites.

Ann Marr, chief executive, said: “I am delighted that St Helens Hospital has been recognised as the Best in the North West, and that both hospitals were highly commended for the grounds.

"The Trust is proud to provide hospital environments that are welcoming and calming, and our patients, visitors and staff regularly tell me how much they appreciate and enjoy the gardens.

"I would like to extend a huge thank you to all the local businesses who sponsor us and provide the wonderful plants and flowers and to David Platt and his team who year on year provide the most beautiful surroundings for our patients and staff.”