A DALES school is celebrating the opening of a new spiritual garden.

After a blessing by the Rev David Macha, the newly re-landscaped area in the grounds of Cracoe and Rylstone Primary School is now open for pupils to enjoy during break times.

The area has been radically transformed by the Friends of Cracoe School as a tranquil space for reflection. The group re-turfed the area, and installed new signs giving information about the trees there as well as a new mural created by the children depicting insect life.

A special bench has also been put in the garden in memory of the late Katherine Butcher, a parent and friend who is missed by the school community.

Headteacher Julie Morton Lee said: “The spiritual garden is now an incredibly special place. So much work went in to re-landscaping and turfing it as well as the little touches. We are sure that all the children at some point will enjoy coming here to reflect in peace, throughout the course of the busy school day.”

Parent Niki Child, who co-ordinated the work, said: “It was a pleasure to be involved with this. Everyone rolled up their sleeves and worked so hard – the results are more than worth it. We look forward to seeing the children enjoying the new space.”

The idea to develop the space to reflect the Christian nature of the school was initiated by the children’s collective worship committee.

The Friends of Cracoe School have also provided new equipment such as prayer and worship materials for use in the garden.