A HOSPICE has been donated a new summer house for patients and their families - and Father Christmas.

The new garden building at St Michael's Hospice in Hereford will double up its use.

In summer it will provide a work area for patients and their loved ones to spend time in, carrying out past-times such as carpentry, 'just as you might do in your own garden shed at home.'

But in the winter it will be turned into Santa's Grotto to help bring cheer to the terminally ill patients.

The summer house was donated and built by Leominster-based Powell & Co Construction, a leading manufacturer of poultry housing and agricultural buildings.

Managing Directors Don and Jason Powell said, “We are delighted to be supporting this fantastic local charity.

“We really wanted to support the hospice and the amazing team that help the local community. It is great to know we have contributed to the well-being of the staff, the people they care for and their families with this summer house over-looking the breath-taking views.

"Thanks must also go to Knights Construction who donated the concrete base and provided free labour to help with the construction.”

Ruth Denison, the Hospice’s Income Generation and Marketing Director, said: “We would like to thank everyone involved. The summerhouse is a great addition to St Michael’s.

"It’s support from the community which has helped us celebrate 35 years of caring for patients and their loved ones across Herefordshire and beyond, and we hope this will continue for many generations to come.”

St Michael’s provides all its care free of charge to patients, their families and carers, thanks to the fundraising of supporters, the St Michael's Lottery, Hospice retail outlets, or charitable donations and gifts in Wills.