RESIDENTS of a city nursing home are looking forward to the better weather so they can enjoy their revamped gardens and grounds.

Sophie House, based off Holywell Gutter Lane in Hampton Park, now has improved outdoor facilities including benches, a picnic area and a pagoda thanks to local contractors who donated time and resources.

Contractors from the West Midlands Contractor Framework - Speller Metcalfe, Kier Construction Central and Thomas Vale Construction - began work in the final weeks of 2013 and recently completed the project.

The house is part of the Martha Trust which cares for young people with profound disabilities, and trust director Sue McBride said the garden is 'an important part of their activity programme'.

She said: "Despite the weather trying its hardest to put the contractors off, we are delighted with the finished results and look forward to seeing our residents and families putting the new outdoor areas to use once spring arrives.”