A GARDEN which will offer a sanctuary for injured servicemen and women has been officially opened.

The garden has been created from an area of shrubland behind Chavasse VC House recovery centre in Colchester.

The patch of land was surrounded by metal fencing and described as "looking like a prison yard".

But after a £100,000 appeal launched by the military charity Help for Heroes and supported by the Gazette, work has been carried out to transform the area into a stunning theraputic garden.

The heroes' garden was officially opened by its designer Matt Keightley who cut the ribbon and handed over the garden to war veteran Mark Taylor.

Mr Taylor, who is an ambassador for Help for Heroes, received the garden on behalf of the Band of Brothers and Sisters, the personnel who risked their lives for their country and their families.

The emotional ceremony was also attended by Bryn Parry, Help for Heroes founder, and garden designer and TV personality Diarmuid Gavin.