Two care workers, whose tireless fundraising efforts raised £11,500 to build a garden for elderly people with dementia, have seen their two-year project blossom.

Outreach workers Eileen Jessop and Elaine Burns, based at Holmewood Resource Centre, in Fell Lane, Keighley, got together to raise cash for the garden based on plans from the Alzheimers Society.

They showed it off to the public on Sunday when it was officially opened by Keighley's own BBC Look North weatherman, Paul Hudson. Delighted staff say the event was very well attended.

Elaine said cash was raised by organising car boot sales, horse race nights, raffles, jumble sales and through donations.

"It's very therapeutic. Clients can go in and hear the sound of the water, smell the scent of the flowers and herbs. They really enjoy it and come out as if they've been on holiday," said Elaine. It has a blue colour theme, with furniture, as well as flower beds and a fountain.

Now the pair have set themselves another goal to raise £2,000 to construct a special doorway into the garden.

"At present the clients have to be accompanied, but a special door will allow people to go in and out as they please," she added.

And to kick start the new fund raising venture, Eileen and Elaine raffled a water feature on Sunday, donated by Martin and Denise Bentley, of Keighley, who manufacture garden ornaments and have already supported the sensory garden. The raffle raised £165.

Holmewood unit manager Denise Hurd said: "Eileen and Elaine have worked tirelessly to make this garden possible. They commissioned the gardeners, plumbers and electricians to transform a disused plot."

Holmewood specialises in the care of elderly people who have dementia illness.

And the service ranges from outreach home care, day care, short stay and long stay beds for 24 people.

Assistant manager Christine Harrison and resident Doris Bairstow are pictured in the garden with TV weatherman Paul Hudson.

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