Crowds turn out to see snowdrop display

Over 100 people enjoyed the splendour of the snowdrops on display at the Hospital of God at Greatham which opened up its private wood to the public for one day only to see the flowers in all their glory.

Today's Snowdrop Afternoon saw visitors follow a yellow trail marked with straw through the wood.

Guests also had an opportunity the hear the story behind the 743 year-old site and enjoy refreshments available in the community centre.

The event, run by the trustees of the Hospital of God, is in aid of the Greatham in Bloom campaign.

Brian Walker, secretary of the Greatham in Bloom said: “It was a brilliant day and we had quite a good crowd there to see the snowdrops which remained nice and steady throughout the day. The weather was brilliant for it and visitors enjoyed a long walk through the wood and listened to a couple of history talks explaining the history of the Hospital of God.

“The walk this year was good half hour long as gardeners extended it to wind around the woods, so visitors could get to see as many snowdrops as possible. Visitors said they were impressed with the display and we look forward to putting it on again next year.”

The Hospital of God was founded by Robert de Stichell, the Bishop of Durham in 1273, to care for poor and elderly people. It has a residential care home, nursing home and day centres together with 110 homes for older people in Greatham, Norton and Stockton-on-Tees.