A SENSORY garden in memory of a former pupil has opened at a school in Amesbury.

Christ the King Roman Catholic primary school opened its new sensory garden on June 6, dedicating part of it to William Brannon, who died aged nine in April last year.

Headteacher Jerome McCormack said: "William was a very important part of our school family.

"I felt we somehow needed to mark his presence at our school."

Catholic Bishop Declan Lang and parish priest Father Mark Moran were in attendance along with William's parents, grandparents, uncle and cousin.

The Mayor of Amesbury, Andrew Williams, also attended, with teachers and representatives from other Salisbury schools.

Mr McCormack added: "The children think it's amazing and it's just a really wonderful tribute to William. I think each time a child walks through the garden his memory lives on."

Larry Bartell, the headteacher at St Edwards School in Romsey, which also caters for children with special educational needs offered to help and to get his own pupils involved in creating the garden.

And Andy Stewart of RG Spillers donated materials and labour to the creation of the garden.

Staff and pupils at Christ the King took part in fundraising to make William's last year of life special, and Mr McCormack gave a eulogy at his funeral.

William's mum Natalie said: "To us, the garden is a nice little retreat to reflect on life.

"It's so very tranquil and we know William would have loved it, especially the Lamborghini seat and the water feature ball.

"Christ the King, as well as the community, have been our rock over the last couple of years.

"The school have truly gone above and beyond their duty of care for a pupil and their family.

"When your child is in the school it's called the Christ the King family and that really is true, we are still part of the family and I believe we always will be.

"The memories people have keep William alive for us all.

"The best comment we had when the garden was opened was from one of Williams mates at school, he said 'I really miss William, we used to get in so much trouble in school', that certainly summed our Wills up.

"He was a little monkey with a huge heart and a huge personality and the garden reflects that perfectly.

"We would like to say a huge thank you to all involved with the planning and creating such a beautiful memory."