A CHARITY evening will be held at Thornaby Nash Club tomorrow to support gardening projects for elderly patients.

The evening will feature a female vocalist, disco, tombola raffle and bingo.

It is the first of many events planned by staff working on elderly mental health wards in Stockton.

"Gardening is a wonderful way of giving patients the freedom to explore an outdoor environment while in hospital, when the sights, smell and touch of nature are so limited," said Moyra Bowman, head occupational therapist at the University Hospital of North Tees.

"It is also a way of either enjoying an old hobby or starting a new one, as well as providing the opportunity to increase the patient's confidence and self esteem."

Tickets, priced £2, are available from the club, in Tedder Avenue, or Albion Centre, at North Tees Hospital.