A Norfolk plantsman is helping to redesign an East Anglian hospital's Jubilee garden as a thank you for the cancer treatment he received.

Adrian Bloom, chairman of Blooms Nurseries at Bressingham, near Diss, received radiotherapy treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital for prostate cancer last year. The renowned horticulturist attended the Cambridge hospital every day for seven weeks, regularly visiting the Golden Jubilee Garden.

During this time, he and his wife Rosemary, decided they would like to give something back to the hospital by donating plants and a garden redesign, which resulted in the garden revamp in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The lecturer, writer and garden designer, who lives in Bressingham, said: 'I want to create a buzz around the Jubilee Garden so it can be a real asset for patients, visitors and staff. Being able to relax in a green space does make a difference.'

'What started as a idea of mine has now grown into a full-scale plan as I've encouraged other nurseries and suppliers to get involved including our own Bressingham Gardens, Jane Darby of Darby Nursery Stock Ltd, Elveden Farms Ltd, Mervyn Lambert Plant Ltd, John Woods Nurseries and professional landscaper Randal Youngs.'

Phase one of the project - adjacent to the Lewin Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre - began on April 12 and will be completed in time for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June.

Mary Archer, chairman of Cambridge University Hospitals, said: 'We are extremely grateful to Mr Bloom for volunteering his time and energy into transforming our garden for us. His designs are admired by gardeners across the country, and we are delighted that they will now be enjoyed by our patients, staff and visitors.'