TAVISTOCK Hospital's Golden Jubilee Garden will now be opened by St Eustachius Church?s Preb John Rawlings, following the death of the Duke of Bedford.

The Duchess of Bedford has decided not to carry out the opening as she felt it would make the occasion too sad after the terrible blow of losing her husband.

Garden co-ordinator Jenny Base said: ?Mr Rawlings is a super chap, a very good friend of the hospital, and will know the right thing to say.

?The Duchess is very upset at the moment, but we hope she will be able to visit later in the summer. We plan to hold a mini open day and have tea with the Duchess.?

The opening will take place on July 6 at 2.15pm.