STUDENTS at Leasowes High School have built a new peace garden, which was formally opened on Thursday by PC Rob Pedley MBE.

The garden has been created by students, for the students and is a tranquil space where people can find space to reflect and be at peace.

Whilst its prime intention is to support bereaved students, the space has the capacity to help them with a wide variety of pastoral matters.

PC Pedley recently delivered a series of assemblies to the school on choices and consequences as part of the Precious Lives programme.

The students were so inspired and motivated by what he spoke about that they wanted him to be the person to formally open the garden.

Deputy headteacher Mr Mynott said: "The school takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to its pastoral work and recognises the need for students to be happy, safe and contented to be good learners who are able to aspire and achieve.

"Supporting them through grief is a priority and the peace garden facilitates this in a unique way.

Pastoral manager Rupert Hannibal has stated how effective the space has already proved to be.

He said: "Many discussions have taken place in this garden, maybe whilst planting something.

"The peace and tranquillity that has been generated in this space is proving to be a very useful pastoral tool."

The work has been a school community project that has benefited everybody involved, across all year groups.

Even students who have not been directly involved have shown an interest, as well as many staff members digging in and making donations.

Mr Mynott added: "The project is very dependent on the fundraising efforts of the students involved and the kind donations people have made.

"All the proceeds from the Christmas Fair on December 8, which promises to be a fantastic event, are going towards the garden.

"This is a project that will be long-lasting, like the memories of the brothers, sisters, friends, mothers, fathers or partners that the garden was created for."

He added: "Equally, all of the staff and students who have been involved in the project, or will be in the future, leave a bit of themselves for the benefit of others."