SCHOOL children have helped plant a memorial garden at a new police force headquarters.

It has been created at the recently-opened base for Durham Constabulary, which has been built at Aykley Heads, Durham City, on land near the old HQ.

The students, from Framwellgate Academy, at Framwellgate Moor, Durham, are on a Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC) project, HAGGRID, which is designed to engage young people, raise their aspirations and help them be seen as assets to their communities.

They joined Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks today (Tuesday, September 30) in planting the small garden at the front of the new building.

“The memorial gardens were planned as a place of quiet reflection, where officers, staff or visitors to Durham Constabulary can go to remember colleagues who are no longer with us,” said Mr Banks

“I am delighted that we have been able to involve local young people in the development of this valuable resource.

“The HAGGRID project is a great initiative aimed at demonstrating the important role that youngsters play in our communities.

“By helping with this garden they can play their part in producing a lasting memorial to service personnel, which is one of the final touches in the completion of our fantastic new headquarters.”