A GARDEN featuring the work of an award-winning designer is enhancing the environment for cancer patients at a support centre next to Forth Valley Royal.

Maggie's Forth Valley, based on the grounds of the hospital at Larbert, received an extensive upgrade to its outdoor space including work by designer Darren Hawkes.

It includes three granite benches and sculptures that formed a part of a gold medal winning display at the 2017 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The three benches form a part of Darren's wider garden design for the local Maggie's centre which also includes planters, trees and further seating.

It was made possible thanks to generous funding from Willie Paterson and daughter Lorna Gall as well as fellow directors at Patersons Quarries.

Yvonne McIntosh, centre head at Maggie's Forth Valley, said: "Our garden provides a beautiful space for centre visitors to enjoy and we are extremely grateful for the generous donation from Patersons Quarries Ltd through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund which is administered through the Land Trust.

"There isn't any doubt that the garden helps many of our centre visitors to feel better.

"It's a beautiful calming space that feels almost unworldly and Zen-like – carrying the calm of Maggie's from indoors to the outside world."

The garden is certainly looking better than ever and enhances the space at Maggie's, which aims to be a warm and welcoming place with qualified professionals on hand to offer an evidence-based core programme of support for anyone diagnosed and living with cancer as well as their family and friends.

The charity hopes to improve people's physical and emotional wellbeing and relies entirely on voluntary donations.

Willie Paterson and Lorna Gall said in a joint statement: "We have had a long-standing relationship with Maggie's and it was a pleasure to help with landscaping the garden at the Forth Valley centre.

"It looks absolutely fantastic and I hope that many Maggie's visitors and the wider community will be able to enjoy this wonderful outdoor space."

Anyone looking to find out more about Maggie's Forth Valley can head along to the centre at Forth Valley Royal Hospital or call 01324 868 078.