A POIGNANT ceremony was held at De La Salle school to open a memorial garden commemorating former pupils and members of the school's community who made a valuable contribution to the its legacy.

The memorial was initially intended as a mark of remembrance for former pupils of the ex-West Park grammar school who died in the two world wars.

However, the idea was extended to honour all past pupils who have passed away and left their mark, including guardsman Christopher Davies, who died serving in Afghanistan in 2010.

The service was led by Canon Tom Neylon, of St Julie's parish, while interim head teacher Paul Dickinson gave thanks to Maurice Wright who had worked planning, designing, laying out and completing the garden.

Around 70 attended, with Major Steve Boardman MBE, who served alongside Christopher Davies laying a wreath in honour of the former pupils.

The garden's Flanders poppies and the terracotta versions created by the school's year seven pupils, with the names of honoured former pupils inscribed.

Prominently placed at the school entrance, it provides a daily visible and touching reminder to the school community and visitors of all those who brought their unique contribution to the ongoing legacy of the school.

Further names are to be be added to the garden in a second phase, possibly this September.