CREATIVE patients and staff at Havens Hospices had their work displayed for the first time as part of a cultural trail through Westcliff.

The charity, which runs Fair Havens and Little Havens Children's Hospice, took part in the Westcliff Eco Art Trail being held this week.

The public were invited into the Fair Havens day care centre in Second Avenue, Westcliff, to admire the photographs and paintings, while enjoying a cup of tea.

Linda Bygrave, diversional therapist at the Havens Hospices, co-ordinated the Celebration of Creativity exhibition at Havens Hospices and explained how art can help healing.

She said: "This exhibition is the perfect way for us to demonstrate the creativity within our patients.

"I work very closely with people using the day care centre using a range of crafts to produce an item to the best of their ability, no matter what their illness.

"It gives them a sense of achievement and self-worth as cancer and other life-limiting illness can take away a lot of choice and confidence."

But it isn't only patients who can benefit from the therapeutic benefits of getting creative with some paint and sticky glue.

Staff and volunteers also displayed their work.

Linda said: "For many people, art is a way of escaping the everyday pressures we face in the workplace.

"It's also a wonderful and alternative way to celebrate the charity's achievements over the past 25 years by displaying positive art."

The hospice was just one of the 25 stops along the Westcliff Eco Art Trail, which runs until next Saturday and aims to create a link between local artists and neighbouring businesses, schools or community venues.

The trail features a total of 33 artists and includes stops at the Beecroft Gallery and Havens department store.

For more information about the Eco Art Trail visit www.westcliff-eco-art.co.uk.

For more information about Havens Hospices visit www.havenshospices.org.uk.