Lecturer's grand design

Andrea Turner, aged 39, of Heaton, a senior languages lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, designed the centre for Stanley Grange, in north Preston.

Miss Turner's winning design included waist-high bedding areas that could easily be accessed by wheelchair users and flat path ways to enhance mobility, as well as picnic area and coffee shop.

Her design may now be used at the home.

The garden also had a commercial area consisting of three large circular planting area and a private supervised area where residents could carry out the work.

Other features included a vegetable patch and a herb garden.

Judges of the Duncan Sheard Glass Design competition were so impressed they awarded her first prize in their design competition to create a garden centre for adult learning for members of the community facing disability challenges.

A delighted Miss Turner said: "I felt that the project had to be practical, realistic and sympathetic to the needs of the clients and the rural setting.

"There needed to be provision of a practical and stimulating work area and a commercial area with easy access for Stanley Grange residents and supervisors as well as access for members of the public."

She added that her design may become a reality as it may be used at the Grange.

Andrea, who has taught at the University for the past 13 years, has always had an interest in design and has undertaken a number of design courses over the past few years.

She enjoyed the courses so much she decided to take up a part-time course in interior design at the University, as a staff development programme.

Stephen Bennett, Course leader for Interior Design at the University of Central Lancashire said: "Andrea had no previous art and design experience, therefore this is a fantastic achievement. I feel Andrea's confidence has grown over the past year and this has led to her success in this competition."