Children design memorial garden

A model of the memorial garden created by the children

School children in Staffordshire have designed their own memorial garden to aid fellow pupils who suffer a bereavement.

Staff at Seabridge Primary in Newcastle-under-Lyme said they had wanted to do something to help a pupil who had lost his sister.

They added they had been surprised to find out how many children had been affected by bereavement.

The garden was inspired by a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum.

The children were sent to workshops run by Tracey Hewitt of the Dove Service.

Teacher Sandra Mitchell said: "We became quite surprised at the number of children affected by bereavement and loss.

"We started to refer some of our children to Tracey and then we saw the benefits immediately."

The garden will be at the school but will be available to the neighbouring community.