A SENSORY garden in the grounds of Barnard Castle has been opened by Viscount Eccles.

The garden was developed by the Rotary Club of Barnard Castle with help from English Heritage, and was partly funded with European Union grants and funds raised by volunteers.

The sensory gardens includes flowers, spices and herbs which are all labelled in Braille.

Children from Teesdale Comprehensive School and Barnard Castle School helped to make sculpted bricks for the raised flower beds in the garden.

The area is easily accessible for wheelchair-users and has brightly coloured seats and handrails for the visually impaired. Viscount Eccles, who lives in Molton Hall, North Yorkshire, said: "There is a huge and growing interest in gardening in the country.

"It is wonderful to see this area within the castle being developed into such a delightful garden for the community, with particular attention to the needs of those with disabilities."

The work to create the garden began five years ago when rotary club members decided to raise money for the project to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee and the advent of the new millennium.

The garden has been included in the castle tours.