A new garden where patients with mental health problems can relax was opened in Banbury on Friday by town mayor Surinder Dhesi.

The £10,000 garden, at the Fiennes Unit at Banbury's Horton Hospital, was built by users of the department after a former patient left money in a will.

Unit manager Jackie Thomas said: "Staff decided that a sensory garden with bright colours and distinctive smells would be an asset for the patients.

"The brickwork was done by contractors, but the patients, all over 65, did the rest.

"Everyone worked really hard to make the garden the tranquil setting it is today."

She said the nine-month project had brought the patients together and had allowed many to rediscover their potential.

The Fiennes Unit, which opened 10 years ago, has 15 in-patients and 15 day visitors.

Most are suffering from depression and staff help users to cope with difficulties, grow in confidence, and develop independence.

Opening the garden, Mrs Dhesi said: "The garden is a peaceful setting. The project began in January and staff often stayed after work to help.

"Patients and staff brought plants from home and the garden has generated a sense of ownership.

"Because of the work they put in, the patients think it belongs to them."