FLOWER power is just the tonic for patients at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

And the stunning display of roses and other blooms has attracted attention from horticultural experts.

They have named it the Best Hospital Grounds in the Tidy Britain Awards for the second year running. The gardeners were told the news at a ceremony at Ribby Hall Conference Centre, Kirkham, yesterday.

The hospital's 78-acre site is scattered with brightly-coloured plants and flowers.

Designated gardens include the Red Gate Memorial Gardens which help people grieve for loved ones they have lost.

The hospital has a sensory garden near the mental health block and a garden which children designed.

Beverley Andrew, hospital director of operations, is delighted with the grounds team.

She said: "The gardeners work very hard to keep the grounds so nice and we know from everyone who comes here how much that they are appreciated."

Jo Whittaker, regional director for Tidy Britain Group, said: "The standard of entries gets better every year as more and more of our communities embrace the idea of using the competition to improve their environment.

"This year has been no exception. We have all been impressed with the talent and commitment of everyone involved. We really can describe the North-west as blooming beautiful!"

Linda Perkins, health care assistant on ward D1, said: "The grounds are lovely and well-looked after."

Staff nurse Colin Carr said: "It makes it a nicer place to come to work."

Rona Stevenson, hospital visitor, also agreed the flowers made her feel happier.

Audrey and Phil Dunning, of Farnworth, whose house backs on to the grounds, said: "We like the gardens so much that we often go to sit there. We used to bring our aunt who was a patient and she always commented on how lovely the gardens were. They give people a boost."