THE sun was shining for the grand unveiling of a sensory garden at Carmel College which has been made by the students as a “quiet place”.

The college’s Foundation Learning Department, which supports children with additional needs, came up with the idea to create the peaceful spot for students on campus.

After a year of hard work, the ribbon was finally cut on the sensory garden which was made possible through donations from MRWA, Veolia and Tesco.

Lauren Molyneux, tutor at the college said: “A lot of schools have a sensory room for students with additional needs, but we thought as we have the room outside why not turn it into a sensory garden.

“We’ve repurposed household waste materials and all the students have taken part in it and will work to maintain it as well.

“A typical day in college can be overwhelming, particularly for students on the spectrum who sense things differently, so for them to have a space that is quiet and peaceful, it makes them feel a lot safer and gives them an opportunity to calm their minds.”

Joshua Palmer, 19, a student in the department added: “I think it looks wonderful. My favourite parts are the doors at the back, especially the red one with numbers on and the flowers in the bath. I feel really cheerful seeing everyone in our garden and I’m happy I helped to make it.”