A COLOURFUL canopy that 'brings the outside in' was unveiled at a children's hospice.

Poorly youngsters at Helen & Douglas House can now enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the hospice's garden, from the comfort of a specially-built shelter.

The palliative care centre in East Oxford cut the ribbon on the striking glass and wood structure on Thursday, which was installed by Greenfingers Charity at Helen House.

It boasts a rainbow of glass and plastic panels and allows patients a peaceful place to sit or play, making up part of the Kaleidoscope Garden.

Hospice spokeswoman Lin Crowley said: "10 years ago, Greenfingers redesigned the garden at Helen House and gave us our wonderful wheelchair accessible tree house.

"Now with this update, re-planting and the new canopy, with its marvellous reflections and colours, we have an additional sheltered space for our young patients and their families to enjoy sensory experiences and fresh air together.

"As a charity Helen & Douglas House is reliant on funding donations from the community, we would not have this sort of facility without the generosity of Greenfingers and their supporters - we cannot thank them enough."

Greenfingers patron Ann-Marie Powell cut a lime green ribbon at the Magdalen Road hospice, to mark the updated garden open.

The charity is dedicated to creating outdoor spaces for children's hospices across the UK.