A WILTSHIRE village school has opened a new sensory vegetable garden designed to help pupils make healthy eating choices.

St Mary’s Primary School at Broughton Gifford officially opened the garden last Friday (July 20) with a barbecue and party for pupils and parents.

The 100 square metre garden in the school grounds is growing a wide range of vegetables and soft fruits. They include broad beans, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, strawberries and peas.

Teaching assistant Hayley Gardyj, said: “I’d like to thank all those people and organisations who have helped to create the sensory garden, particularly those who donated time, materials, tools and equipment.”

They include Dean Perry, of Perry Landscapes in Trowbridge, who made the raised beds, bug hotel and helped install gravel, fencing and a willow arch.

He said: “I haven’t done it for the money. I decided some time ago to donate seven days a year to local charities.”

The school launched an appeal earlier this year for seeds, bulbs, equipment and furniture to improve its garden.

It has since added gravel paths, raised beds, the bug hotel, and a willow arch which leads to an arbour where children can sit in peace and quiet.

Mrs Gardyj said: "We had a huge amount of support from parents and business. They include Leekes, Travis Perkins, Buildbase, Countrywide Farmers.

"We’d also like to thank Dean Perry for his continued support to enable us to make this project possible."

The aims of the sensory vegetable garden project are to enjoyably engage and educate the children using home-grown produce.

They will learn how to grow, cultivate, harvest and share delicious and healthy food.

Mrs Gardyj added: “It is based on the belief that these skills and understandings are essential to the development of lifelong joyful and positive eating habits.”

When they get back to school in September, youngsters will spend time learning about plants, seeds, water management, compost and soil.

They will also learn about the seasons, different vegetables, stages of growth and the connection between care in the garden and flavour on the plate.