A "BEAUTIFUL" garden is being developed for people living with cancer and their families.

For the past two years, volunteers at Bury Cancer Support Centre have been working to improve its Bolton Road garden for service users.

The project, which is being overseen by a bereaved relative, is nearing completion, and the green space is scheduled to be opened at the end of this month.

Staff from neighbouring Car Benefit Solutions, a financial services company based at The Barracks in Bolton Road, have been helping to bring the green space into shape.

Janet Katana, manager at Bury Cancer Support Centre, said: "It has always been our intention to improve what was already a beautiful established garden, and since taking over the building we have made small gradual improvements. This last phase has been to improve access for anyone with mobility issues and establish some paved areas for dining, group work and also complementary therapies.

"It has long been recognised that spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can improve both physical and psychological wellbeing. This is wholly in keeping with our ethos and intent here at the centre. Many of our patients have issues with mobility and indeed some do not have access to a garden, park or green area."

She added: "The continued support and contribution that CBS employees and management staff make to our centre is invaluable and we would like to thank all of the volunteers who worked so hard on the garden project."

CBS staff, including managing director Paul Taylor, spent two days digging borders, pulling out weeds and creating wooden fences.

Nicky Dickinson, Head of People, Culture and Values at the firm, said: "CBS is committed to working in partnership with charities now and in the future, not solely through volunteering, but through fundraising and practical support."

Originally making its home in St James Church Hall, Bury Cancer Support was only able to open for one half day a week when it was first established.

However popularity and need for the service quickly grew and four years ago the centre moved to new premises in Bolton Road where it now offers vital care, support and a friendly face for a chat and a cuppa four days a week.