RESIDENTS, staff and volunteers at an Ilkley care home donned their gardening gloves to open the newest addition to their ever-growing greenery in the form of their indoor garden.

Although Abbeyfield Grove House, in Riddings Road, boasts some wonderful exterior areas, due to limited mobility a couple of their residents were either unable to, or are fearful of, venturing outside as often as they want.

With this in mind, the staff at Abbeyfield The Dales decided to bring the outside inside for all to appreciate and set about building a ‘secret’ indoor garden in a corner of the building’s bright and airy conservatory. It features its own plants, bench and big bay windows.

Jane Hesling, the garden’s project manager, said: "We cater for our resident’s individual wants and needs here at The Dales so it was simply a no-brainer for us to build this space so everybody can enjoy some fresh air and vitamin D!”

The official opening took place on December 8 and everyone from the local community was invited as part of Abbeyfield's ‘Companionship at Christmas’ campaign; an annual drive to both highlight the issue of, and alleviate, social isolation felt by over 55s across the festive period.

Jackie Bradfield, CEO at Abbeyfield The Dales, said: “We are delighted to be opening our doors for this event. Alleviating loneliness is at the heart of what we do and we’re aware that this can, in particular, feel heightened at Christmas time.

“We have some wonderful communal spaces, a heap of festive events taking place and our Indoor/Outdoor garden is an area for everyone. We love making new friends so please do get in touch.”