PEOPLE of different religions came together at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital to mark the opening of a new £30,000 multi-faith room.

The former Christian chapel has been redecorated with new stained glass windows and faith-neutral sculptures, thanks to funding from the League of Friends charity, which holds a gift shop near the hospital entrance.

Lead chaplain Andy Green, who led the project with personal assistant Beverley Banner, said: "This project has been a long time in the making but I'm so proud of what we've all achieved. There have been so many people involved in the planning of this room.

"We wanted to make this place welcoming for everybody and I think we have achieved that. It really is something special."

The woodland-themed multi-faith room, which is located on the upper floor of the hospital, features a steel tree sculpture, made by Bromsgrove blacksmiths Adam and Leonie Barrett, and a re-crafted alter. Religious books, a prayer mat and candles are available in a cupboard at the back of the room.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Quaker Patricia Bradbury joined representatives from the local Muslim, Anglican, Buddhist and Bahá'í communities to officially open the room on Wednesday, September 12.

Speaking at the event, hospital matron Phil Shakeshaft said: "As a matron it's on days like this that we realise what a wonderful institution the NHS is to work for.

"I hope people of all faiths or no faith can use this space as a place of contemplation."

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant added: "It's so important to have a space like this where people can come to just be, or get some pastoral support.

"I think this room is going to be a very strong source for good."