SENSORY sculptures, carved by a local designer, were unveiled yesterday at a County Durham school's garden.

Pupils of Belmont Junior School, Durham City, along with staff from the sensory support service, showed off the sculptures in the school's sensory garden.

The carvings, designed by Didier Cauchy, from Langley Park, Durham, are identifiable by touch, so pupils with visual impairment will be able to enjoy the artwork as much as their fully-sighted peers.

Headteacher Alison Keddie said: "The sculptures have enhanced the sensory garden, adding to the children's appreciation of the natural world."

The three sculptures, which depict birds and flowers, have been carved into cherry tree trunks and stand 1.5m high.

Jan Seaman, team leader for the resources base for children with visual impairment, said: "The quality of the carvings allows the children access to the beauty of nature and encourages their appreciation."