PATIENTS, visitors and staff at Minehead Hospital can now seek solace in a new quiet room which was officially opened last week.

The area has been simply decorated and comfortably furnished to provide a space away from the wards and corridors for people to rest and reflect, pray and mediate or simply speak to friends at times of difficulty.

Local businesses, individuals and organisations who helped to raise funds for the Quiet Place were invited to an opening ceremony at the hospital by staff and chaplains.

Rev Andrew Vidamour, Free Church chaplain at the hospital, said the ceremony was a sign of gratitude for the help and support given to the project.

"The staff of Minehead Hospital, including the chaplains, are very grateful for all the generous financial support the people of West Somerset have given towards the furnishing of the Quiet Place.

"Now it is to be hoped that this room will continue to be a valuable asset to the whole community for many years to come," he said.

Photo: Steve Guscott