A hospital’s appeal to create a therapeutic garden for young patients has reached a "major milestone."

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) in Gobowen has announced that work on the "much-anticipated" Garden for Alice project is able to begin.

This is after a turf-cutting ceremony took place, which saw Anna Turner, the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, place the first shovel in the ground.

The garden will be a "stunning therapeutic sensory space" for young patients and their families at the hospital, which will support their emotional and physical well-being throughout their treatment and rehabilitation.

Stacey Keegan, chief executive, said: "Creating a safe, peaceful and sensory garden is going to provide a host of health and wellbeing benefits, as well as improve the experience of our patients and their loved ones.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the RJAH Charity for their amazing fundraising efforts, as well as members of the public and grant supporters.

"I’d also like to thank our estates and facilities team and contractors, who have put in the preparation work to ensure works can commence."

A significant boost to the project came from the contribution of £100,000 by the League of Friends to the hospital.

Additionally, the Garden for Alice appeal has received support from local businesses, fundraising groups, community events, and individual supporters.

Victoria Sugden, charity director, said: "We extend our thanks to Roché Systems Limited and Butler Landscapes, and Awscape Landscape Architects for their professional support and contributions to this project.

"Their expertise is helping us create a space that will benefit our young patients and their families.

"I must also give particular thanks to our grant funders, Garfield Weston Foundation, Severn Trent Community Foundation, Charles Walker Charitable Trust and the Millichope Foundation."

Plans for the garden were developed by volunteer Olivia Copley, who studies landscape architecture at university.

The garden will include a vegetable patch, hornbeam trail and woodland walk, as well as tranquil sports to observe nature, rehabilitation zones and secluded weatherproof areas for outdoor learning and games.

Suzanne Marsden, Alice Ward manager, said: "We’re over the moon that work has now begun on the garden – it’s going to be a beautiful space that’s enjoyed by our patients and their families.

"Children attend RJAH for a variety of orthopaedic conditions and during this time the ward really becomes home, school and a place of play.

"The garden will support their recovery, rehabilitation and wellbeing."

If you would like to make a donation towards the garden, visit the dedicated fundraising page: justgiving.com/campaign/gardenforalice.