PRIMARY school children helped to build a new sensory garden at an opticians.

It is hoped the garden at Simon Berry Opticians, in Gilesgate, will be a relaxing space for those with special educational needs and disabilities who are waiting to get eye tests, and for people who are anxious about the process.

Durham Wildlife Trust officer John Grundy, who designed the garden, was joined by classes from nearby St Hild’s College Primary School took turns to complete the planting, learning about soils, worms and pollination as they transformed the yard at the practice.

Mr Berry said: “It was great to welcome John to our practice. The children from St Hild’s have created a fantastic sensory space. It fits in perfectly with our new building and will be a place that patients and staff can enjoy.”

Alison Luke, deputy headteacher at St Hild’s, said: “ Community links are really important to us at St Hild’s and we are really proud to have supported Simon with this project. The garden looks great and we are really looking forward to watching it develop.”