SOLDIERS from the Territorial Army have helped to create a sensory garden for children with special needs.

The garden has been built next to Catcote School, in Catcote Road, Hartlepool.

Built around a group of trees in the school's garden, it is designed to stimulate the children's senses using items such as a wall of coloured bottles, a summer house, a water feature and scented plants.

Teacher Wendy Simms said: "The garden will make such a difference for our children."

Seventy soldiers from 104 Pioneer Squadron, in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, prepared the ground and laid the paths.