WORK has started on the renovation of a pond at St Barnabas House hospice.

A £10,000 grant from Southern Water is funding the year-long project at the Worthing hospice.

The pond will be made more accessible for patients and families.

It will be transformed into a tranquil place for the hospice and a haven for wildlife.

Southern Water chose St Barnabas House for its annual regional grant in Sussex.

Steve Williams, head of estates at the hospice, said: “We are so grateful to Southern Water for providing a £10,000 grant for us to get the pond area cleared.

“We are looking at various options for the next stage, finding long-term ways to keep the pond maintained at a low cost.

“A bridge is planned so we can keep the pond clear more easily and patients and families can enjoy the feature.”

Nick Jones is part of the maintenance and grounds team at St Barnabas House and is responsible for looking after the gardens around the hospice.

He said: “As the summer arrives the wild flowers will come out and all the regrowth of the Cornus (Dogwood) will emerge.

“There will be new reeds and lilies growing so the pond will really come to life.

“Look out for the moorhens, it’s their favourite place.”

Beverley Thompson, community campaigns and engagement manager for Southern Water, added: “We are so pleased to be able to help with the pond project.

“We hope the pond will be a place where patients, families and staff at St Barnabas will find a peaceful haven and perhaps a place where some happy memories will be made.”

Work on the pond is ongoing.