AN Airedale Hospital team has won recognition for its transformation of a courtyard area.

Staff on Ward One converted the plot outside their wing from a wilderness into an attractive, planted space.

Now they've taken top spot in a courtyard garden competition organised by the Friends of Airedale, and received £200 in garden centre vouchers.

Staff looking after courtyards across the Steeton site were invited to apply for £165 grants and enter the contest, which was supported through a funding initiative with the Co-op.

Eleven teams took part.

Friends of Airedale volunteer John Lofthouse, who chaired the judging panel, says: "We saw great ideas and imaginative use of plants and materials across the courtyards, but were particularly impressed with the efforts of the Ward One team.

"As well as the grant it received from us, the team had proactively gone out and got local businesses to donate compost, logs, a bench and tubs and, with some imaginative use of old pallets, managed to transform an area that had been a complete wilderness into a very attractive space."

Team member Chrisseen Platt, a facilities assistant, said: "We are over the moon. The prize money will enable us to do even more."