IN an ever more stressful world, one local community care centre now has a retreat from the bedlam, in its own little oasis of tranquility.

Thicketford House has just unveiled its Sensory Garden for the Millennium -- a relaxing and warm courtyard designed for use in the daytime and evening -- regardless of the season.

The project -- started in spring 1999 -- was the work of the residents' gardening group, Mark, John, Stella, Alfred, Albert and Douglas, who also use the day centre and whose ages range from 65 to 89 .

The group, assisted by Lynne Gill, a day services officer from social services and Tamzin Percival, countryside ranger from leisure services, worked hard to produce a place within the centre that everyone could enjoy.

Funding for the venture was raised by the client committee -- a group representing all centre users. The two benches now taking pride of place in the garden were provided through donations, and the trellis and pergola were created by Heaton Fold Garden Centre, which employs people with learning disabilities.

And once the water feature had been installed in June, the garden was ready for use.

It is hoped the garden will be used by residents and day centre users, along with older people from across the town, who will find sitting in the garden a calming and soothing experience.

And Lynne and Tamzin both agreed: "Working together in partnership has transformed an unused area into a haven of peace and tranquility for all to enjoy."