A WINCHESTER school held a grand opening for a sensory garden to help its students.

Shepherds Down Special School in Compton have created the space for the pupils using £30,000 from a large number of local firms.

The students at the school on Shepherds Lane have a variety of special needs including severe learning and physical difficulties.

The facility means the pupils can get involved with growing, smelling and touching all sorts of plants and shrubs.

The launch event for the outdoor area was attended by more than 70 people and celebrated with an English tea for guests, including Winchester's Conservative candidate Steve Brine, who opened the garden officially.