A WARD at a hospital has been named after Taunton's premier football team.

Cygnet Hospital Taunton has named the facility Peacocks, the nickname of Taunton Town.

It was officially opened by club chairman Kevin Sturmey last Thursday.

Cygnet provides specialist inpatient services for older adults with mental health problems from premises in Orchard Portman and for men diagnosed with a learning disability.

Hospital manager Kerry Meldon-Dempsey said: "We’re really proud to sponsor Taunton Town FC and want to recognise the positive relationship we’re enjoying with them by naming our newest ward after the club’s emblem and nickname.

"We recently joined forces to mark World Mental Health Day and the club welcomed service users and staff to watch a match.

"At the end of the winning game one of our service users presented a bottle of champagne to the man of the match, Taunton’s Shane White. The service user was so thrilled that he still talks about it now.

"We were delighted to be able to return the invite and host Kevin to officially open Peacocks Ward."

He added that sport and fitness bring huge benefits to people’s mental wellbeing, which is why Cygnet is committed to supporting community partnerships in this way.

During the naming ceremony, Mr Sturmey presented the hospital with two signed shirts, which now take pride of place in the reception area.

He said: "We have had great interaction with Cygnet already and we have lots planned for the future to cement what has already been a proactive partnership.

"This is one of the best partnerships I believe the club has ever had."

Taunton Town's home ground in Wordsworth Drive has been named the Cygnet Health Care Stadium as part of a sponsorship deal.