People who donate organs and tissues will be remembered with a new memorial garden at Airedale Hospital.

Staff responsible for promoting organ donation have overseen the creation of the rose garden in front of the hospital’s main entrance.

The hospital’s clinical lead for organ donation Dr John Scriven said: “We’ve created this garden both as a dedicated place to remember those people and families whose generous gift has helped the lives of others and to celebrate the tremendous gift they have made. We hope to improve awareness of the need for organ donation and encourage people to speak to their loved ones about their wishes and sign up to the organ donor register.”

The garden was unveiled ahead of Transplant Awareness Week – which ends on Sunday – by Rachel Wiseman, of NHS Blood and Transplant and Emma Davies, consultant in emergency medicine at Airedale.

Rachel said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone across Airedale, Craven and Wharfedale to consider joining the donor register.”