THE Duke of Marlborough opened a new ‘thanksgiving garden’ at a Woodstock church.

Located at St Hugh of Lincoln Church, the garden is part of a larger project which included the construction of a new church hall – the St Hugh’s Centre – which was also officially opened and blessed on the day by the Archbishop of Birmingham, the Rev Bernard Longley.

The new community garden was designed by Blenheim Palace’s head of gardens Hilary Wood, who was at the opening on Sunday.

Mr Wood said: “I was honoured and delighted to be asked to create this wonderful contemplative space in the gardens of the Church of St Hugh of Lincoln. The garden has been designed to provide colour and interest all year round and includes many fine trees and shrubs which will mature and develop over the years.”