An Ilford school has made a patch of bare, disused land into a “hands-on” sensory garden for pupils.

The new space at Cranbrook Primary School, in The Drive, includes a solar-powered water feature, musical play panels, wood planters and textured surfaces made of different materials.

Money was raised for the Friends of Cranbrook for the project and the grand opening was marked last week with singing and performances by pupils and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Headteacher Jas Leverton said: “The finished garden already looks amazing and that’s before the plants begin to flourish.

“It has given the school an extra, large classroom for pupils to enjoy while they learn.”