The brand new sensory garden at Hyndhead School, Fife, created by participants on Community Service, was officially opened today.

Hyndhead Special School has 21 pupils with severe and complex needs who will all benefit from the beautiful garden area that has been created.

The garden is called the 'Raymond Gunn Sensory Garden' and it is a fitting memorial to the father of one of Hyndhead School's pupils, Terry Gunn. Raymond was a Saloon Stock Car racer who was tragically killed in an accident at the Cowdenbeath Racewall. Terry's family generously donated the £2,000 collected at the funeral to Hyndhead School.

Agnes Lindsay, Head Teacher is clearly delighted with what has been achieved: "The garden area was a complete wasteland and an eyesore and of little use to the children. A parent suggested that we contact the Criminal Justice Service as they had people on Community Service who did such work.

"I was impressed by how quickly the wasteland was cleared- hard, heavy work all done with a smile! - weeds and tangled briars; rough grass - all gone!"

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The area was measured for slabs and a sun circle. The team then laid the slabbing despite no previous experience on their part. They also constructed a wooden fence.

Garden furniture was built up and existing furniture painted to match. A special wheelchair accessible picnic table was built alongside wooden planters.

"As if this wasn't enough, the team wanted to do something even more special for the school. So they made a whole range of wooden Disney characters that have been attached to the fence. The pupils love them. They have also offered to continue the maintenance of the fences and furniture," said the Head Teacher.

Bill Kinnear, Service Manager Criminal Justice Service is proud of the work that has been achieved: "This has been a fantastic project to have been involved in and the Community Service participants - the offenders - and the supervisors who were involved in building this beautiful garden should be rightly proud of the work they have done and the contribution they have made to the difference this garden makes to the lives of the children and staff at the school.

"This is an excellent example of the valuable and life-changing work that can be provided to communities by offenders who would otherwise have gone to prison. It is also a wonderful example of what can be achieved through partnership working."

Ken Greer, Executive Director, Education added: "Pupils will benefit greatly from this new garden and our thanks go to all those involved."

Councillor Tim Brett added: "Community Service is not a soft option and this project shows the benefits that can be achieved for communities and offenders."

Councillor Douglas Chapman said "Hopefully this will have been an educational experience for our young people watching those on Community Service put back something into their community. Those who worked hard on this project should be proud of what they have achieved here."

(GK/JM)