RESIDENTS at a hospice care home in Poole have taken a trip to a garden centre in Christchurch.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care patients enjoyed a day outing to Stewarts Garden Centre thanks to the support of the centre and care home provider, Care South.

Amy and Helen, the hospice nurses, accompanied four patients to the garden centre where they browsed the retail area and had lunch at the café.

Care home patient Joyce said: "As you get older, you spend more time alone, and it is very difficult making friends.

"Everyone at Lewis-Manning is so friendly and kind, and coming here today has helped me make new friends.

"It's been a wonderful day which I'd been looking forward to so much."

Another patient, Josie, said: "When you don’t have transport, it is very hard to get out.

"It is my first time coming to Stewarts Garden Centre and I am very excited to be here today.

"It is excellent that they support the charity."

Clare Gallie, the Hospice CEO, said: "This day out exemplifies the compassionate and supportive community we strive to build at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, and we are immensely grateful to Stewarts Garden Centres and Care South for their continued support."