A mental health care unit for elderly people will get a �100,000 overhaul from today (Monday) thanks to a successful grant bid.

Work to renovate Elizabeth Court in Stevenage began today, after the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the unit, secured a grant from The Kings Fund, a national charity.

The improvements to the inpatient centre include transforming the entrance and main communal areas to bring light and colour into the environment.

Keith Moullin, head of service delivery at the trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this money from The Kings Fund and that our plans for the renovation were so well received by the panel.

“Elizabeth Court has enormous potential and I am pleased that this money will allow us to create an even better environment for the residents and their visitors.”

The project team and staff at the centre are also working with Stevenage Museum to gather memorabilia to help stimulate the memories of patients and provide areas of interest for their loved ones to discuss with them.