Students have helped brighten up a mental health therapy unit with a giant wall mural.

They have decorated one of the biggest rooms in The Hawthorn Centre, which sits in the grounds of Coalville Community Hospital and has recently undergone a major refurbishment.

Natalie Ventrone, work experience co-ordinator, led the group of BTEC art and design students from Leicester College.

She said they worked with professional artist Indre Rimselyte and were especially keen to take staff and patients views on the design.

“They were keen to give the space a less clinical feel and create a more relaxed and inviting environment.  We came up with the concept of The Secret Garden – bringing the outside in,” Natalie added.

One of the Hawthorn’s patients said: “I think its lovely and it’s beautiful. I have autism spectrum disorder and I see things differently, but seeing what other people see is comforting to me.”

The artwork was financed by Broom Leys Cricket Club and Broom Leys Football Club, who held a charity football match last year ( A huge thank you to Broom Leys cricket and football clubs – News – Raising Health).

The Hawthorn Centre provides individual and group therapy for patients from across North West Leicestershire, and a base for staff who visit patients in their own homes.