Bristol Royal Hospital for Children holds garden party to celebrate Queen’s 90th birthday

There was a celebration cake, as well as a special visit from Wallace and Gromit.Patients and their families took part in games, learnt circus skills, arts and crafts, and even have their photograph taken with the Queen - well a cardboard cut-out actually!

The play department's outdoor area has recently been fitted with a new soft floor with a built in roadway for toys, funded by the children's charity, The Grand Appeal. There's also new climbing apparatus, a football goal and a water/sand tray.

Lynne Barlow, Play Services Manager, said:

"We're delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the Queen's birthday in our newly refurbished garden.

"The new flooring and toys are a wonderful addition and I'm sure the children here at the hospital will get lots of enjoyment out of them. We'd like to say a big thank you to The Grand Appeal for their support to create this wonderful new space.

"Being at hospital can be a tough time for families, so we hope this special celebration will bring a smile to their faces."hospital will get lots of enjoyment out of them. We'd like to say a big thank you to The Grand Appeal for their support.

Anna Shepherd, deputy director, The Grand Appeal, said:

"The Grand Appeal is celebrating its 21^st anniversary this year, and the charity has been proud to support the hospital's play centre from the very beginning.

"Time away from their treatment to play and be children is incredibly important to children's' wellbeing while they are in hospital. Our support includes an exciting arts programme, with visits from storytellers and artists to engage the children in an assortment of activities, as well as keeping the play centre topped up with toys.

"The new garden will be a fantastic addition to the play centre for young patients and their siblings to enjoy."