A new sensory garden has been created for disabled children who are unable to enjoy the attractions in a public park.

The Plant a Smile Garden has been unveiled by We Are Beams at their respite centre in St David's Road, Hextable after donations and fundraising events gave them enough money to transform their shabby outdoor space.

The new £200,000 garden has been professionally designed and includes specialist play equipment, while the whole area has been levelled out with outside cover so the children can enjoy the space what ever the weather.

There is also a sensory area with edible plants and water features and a vegetable patch.

A spokesman for We Are Beams, which help children from across Kent and Medway, said: "This area will make a huge difference to so many children that are sadly unable to enjoy a public park or attraction due to their disability or special needs."

The project was made possible with help from the community, businesses, grants and fundraising events including sponsored walks, half marathons, and a corporate ‘buy a brick’ scheme.

Ciaran Cox, 13, is just one of the children who will benefit from the garden.

The teenager, who has Down’s syndrome, is a diabetic and has ASD and ADHD, finds it difficult to socialise and make friends and struggles in busy environments

His mum Terri, from Greenhithe, said: "The new garden really is amazing. Ciaran absolutely loves it and has been desperately waiting to use the new equipment, constantly asking the builders when it would be ready.

"The new slide is his, and his teddies, absolute favourite. The new outdoor space is so important for Ciaran. It helps him to regulate.

"Public playgrounds are often too busy for him to enjoy and it gives him the space and time to be himself.

"We are so pleased with it. It really is something special for our kids to enjoy."

We Are Beams offers respite care for children and young people up to the age of 19 where they are cared for and taught important skills such as independence and social skills.

The charity said older children will benefit from the new garden too.

The spokesman added: "Older children tending to the garden will improve motor skills, enhanced creativity, increased social skills and self-confidence."

The garden will be used daily by the 450 children that stay overnight or use the after-school and holiday clubs, as well special needs schools and groups.

The grand opening will take place on Thursday, March 30.