A SCHOOL yesterday unveiled a memorial to one of its former teachers, who died of cancer.

St Patrick's RC School in Fairfield, Stockton, opened The Wakefield Walk in memory of Joanne Wakefield, a nursery nurse who died in September 2003, aged 29.

Yesterday, Joanne's parents, Anne and Eddie, officially opened the garden and walk.

The garden, to be used by pupils, includes a grassed area surrounded by shrubs chosen to attract insects and birds, and log piles to provide habitats for insect life.

In the middle is a steel sculpture of a woman and child made by Graeme Hopper, with a shamrock on the child to represent the school.

"The parents' association raised £5,000 for the project and this amount was matched by a grant," said headteacher Des Murray.

"We are really proud of their efforts."

He also thanked Tesco for providing free compost, Janet Dickinson School of Dance for a donation of £750 and Clyde Offshore for £400.

Craig Coverdale, Malcolm Green and Stockton Horticultural Services provided bulbs and plants and Teesside Golf Club gave the school some logs.