BUSINESSES from across the region rallied round to rejuvenate an outdoor space at Airedale Hospital.

Firms donated materials and manpower to help improve an area outside Ward 5, which supports the recovery of stroke patients.

Work included the installation of new seating and a plant wall.

The Big Dig involved companies from the Keighley and Craven area as well as Leeds, Bradford and Halifax.

Angela Gordon, matron for medicine with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "The benefits of having a useable outdoor space and garden include sensory stimulation, which can greatly improve a patient's wellbeing and aid their recovery.

"We’re really grateful to everyone who has been involved with this project. It’s given us a beautiful green space to enjoy."

Thanks are also voiced by Jodie Hearnshaw, Airedale Hospital & Community Charity manager.

She says: "We’re so grateful to everyone who banded together for The Big Dig. It will make such a difference to the Ward 5 patients.

"The outdoor space has been in use right from when it opened and everyone has commented on what a fantastic job has been done.

"To everybody involved, thank you so much for your support."

Over 150 hours of manpower were donated to the project by firms including Robertson Construction, Ellis Williams, Shelby Group, Distinctive Ltd, Westend Joiners and NG Bailey.

And other businesses to contribute included S&T Glazing, Calder CAD-Travis Perkins, Hive, Eastburn Stores and Bingley Garden Centre.

Steve Tighe, director of Shelby Group, says: "We were grateful for the opportunity to donate our time and some shrubs to the Ward 5 Big Dig.

"It was great to spend some time in the fresh air, flexing our green fingers and chatting with the team. The finished courtyard looks and smells wonderful. It’s brilliant to see this new space being used to support the rehabilitation of patients as well as the wellbeing of staff."

Jonathan Sizer, regional managing director of Robertson Construction Yorkshire East Midlands, says: "Along with key members of our supply chain working at Airedale Hospital, we were delighted to lend our support to The Big Dig.

"We've been able to support the extended work that the hospital does, and the team was more than happy to assist with creating a new garden area to aid recovery and recuperation for the patients of Ward 5."

For more about volunteering opportunities at the hospital, visit airedalecharity.org, email anhsft.charity@nhs.net or call 01535 294870.