RESIDENTS at a Hampshire retirement home are celebrating after a cash injection saw garden equipment upgraded.

General Johnson Court in Winchester won a £1,190 Big Lottery Funding Award for a new shed to store its recently purchased garden furniture. The old shed in the community garden was rotten and leaking.

Along with manager Simram Kang, the residents put in the bid for the lottery funding and said they are pleased they can now store the furniture out of the weather.

Ms King said it is important for them to make the most of the outdoors.

"It's good for them to have the air to keep them well, to socialise in the outside space, for their healthy wellbeing and their independence," she said.

"We want to thank the Big Lottery Fund - it has really made a difference. The shed looks fantastic, it's lovely and spacious and convenient for the residents. It's made the court a lot nicer."

Earlier this month residents held a special opening event with a buffet lunch for friends, family and staff from Housing and Care 21.