PEOPLE with mental health problems in Bexley are feeling the benefits of a brighter, happier environment, thanks to the artistic flair and goodwill of local children.

Patients at Bexley Hospital, particularly those suffering from depression, can now work towards leading positive and productive lives in therapy rooms decorated with paintings and drawings produced especially by youngsters from the 9th Dartford Cubs and Our Lady's Roman Catholic School in Dartford.

The idea of cheering up the rooms with a display of children's pictures came from Alex, the nine-year-old son of Cathy Hyde, a staff nurse at the hospital.

Mrs Hyde said the project had provided Alex and his fellow Dartford cubs with a perfect opportunity to work towards a badge for 'making a difference to someone in the community'.

The pictures produced by the cubs were so good, she decided to ask his school to help out too.

She added: "Supporting people with mental health needs is an extremely complex process. Anything that helps them feel more at ease is a tremendous help and this is exactly what the pictures do."

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Adrian Treloar said: "The difference these new pictures have made is wonderful.

"The fact these children have taken the time and trouble to show they care means a lot to staff and patients alike."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.