TOP of the Pops met Ground Force yesterday when a courtyard at York District Hospital was given a makeover under the watchful eye of Kim Wilde.

The former chart-topper turned gardener, who had hits such as Kids In America, Cambodia and You Keep Me Hangin' On, teamed up with a group of graduate trainees from insurance giant Norwich Union to transform the courtyard next to the hospital's obstetrics and gynaecology unit.

Kim, who is touring in December, took up gardening six years ago and recently completed a planting and design course.

She attended the courtyard's official opening ceremony last night where she was joined by Gary Withers, chief executive of Norwich Union, and Simon Pleydell, chief executive of York Health Services NHS Trust. Mr Pleydell said: "I know that a lot of time has been put into this project which has resulted in a remarkable transformation.

"Whilst this project covers a relatively small area it will make a big impact and will be highly valued and remembered by women attending this unit."

The garden, which was designed by Holtby-based Trevor Smith Landscapes, was built as part of a Norwich Union community project.

Updated: 10:49 Friday, September 27, 2002