AN underused area of North Bradley’s recreation ground is to be made into a memorial garden after receiving a Wessex Watermark Award for £400.

The presentation was made on Saturday during the annual children’s sports day where Gillian Smith, Wessex Water’s education advisor, met members of the Peace Memorial Trust.

Trowbridge gardener Rob Dawson, runner-up in BBC2’s amateur gardening competition The Great Chelsea Garden Challenge, also attended the event and has agreed to help with the design of the memorial garden.

The piece of ground, between the existing memorial bench and the children’s play area, will be planted up as a memorial garden to remember those who have died in conflict since 1914.

Pauline Baxter, from the Trust’s committee, said: “It went pretty well, we were lucky it was not raining and I think everyone enjoyed it who was there.

“It’s a great start to have some money in the pot; we can make a start with shrubs and trees and then work around them.

“What we have in mind is a free standing carving placed near the memorial bench. By planting up the area around the bench and carving we will also be creating a living memorial as well and one which we hope will attract butterflies and bees to it.

“When it is finished the memorial garden will be a lovely place to sit and reflect for people of all ages.”

The presentation was made at the annual children’s sports day which was supported by the Active Trowbridge Sports Roadshow with gladiator jousting.

For those interested in finding out more about the memorial, The North Bradley Peace Memorial Trust will be holding their AGM on September 14.