A GROUP of youngsters have built a sensory garden for school children at a summer play scheme thanks to a kind donation.

Children with additional needs, aged between three and 19, used wooden pallets to make tables and chairs at The Play Scheme, which is held over summer at Lansbury Bridge School in Parr.

The sessions, which run for four weeks from 9am to 5pm, provide holiday activities for children with a range of additional needs, including physical and learning disabilities, autism and visual or auditory impairment.

Gail Pennington, holiday activity manager for The Play Scheme, said: "We asked Palletland for about 40 pallets and when they heard what it was for, they said we could have them free of charge.

"That saved us about £250 to buy other things for the children so we are very grateful."

She added: "We have up to 50 children a day - and we thought we'd make an area for the children to sit and have their snack when they come back to school in September."

The children sanded down the pallets, painted them bright colours, screwed them together with the help of adults, and used spray paint to add stencils of moons and stars.

Gail said: "They absolutely loved it. What's been nice is that each child has been able to take part in one way or another - some used spray paint, some used sponges, some just splattered paint over the pallets, but no matter what the impairment, they have done something. They are really proud of what they've achieved.

"One child decided to make a sun lounger."

The group will also make wind chimes, which they will add to the seating area to make a sensory garden.

Gail said: "They've done really well. Now school staff are saying they want their own garden!"

The owner of Palletland, which is in Burtonhead Road, said they were pleased to have been able to help.

Ian Slater said : "It's all in a good cause. I'm glad to hear it went well; the pallets have been put to good use and it sounds like the children enjoyed themselves."