A sensory garden for children with learning disabilities is to be given a makeover.

The area was created behind the kitchen at the town’s Meadowfield School 10 years ago but is now in desperate need of sprucing up.

With no money in the pot, teaching assistant Debbie Marsh started a campaign to raise the £1,000 needed.

She applied to the Asda Foundation and received a grant of £563.

Community champion Claire Fosbeary, from the Sittingbourne store in Mill Way, presented the children with a cheque for the amount. Another £100 has been donated by the town’s Freemasons and a similar amount has been promised by an individual.

Letters have also been sent to local companies asking for help. The money raised to date will cover the cost of painting the tired-looking walls.

The work will be carried out by pupils during their lunch break.

Mrs Fosbeary and about a dozen colleagues will also give up their time to help youngsters complete the project.

Mrs Marsh said: “We felt the space wasn’t being used as much as it should be and that it needed lots of plants and painting around the seating area. It was done in 2004/2005 and hasn’t been touched since.

“There’s a pond and a greenhouse where we do some horticultural classes with the kids.

“After the summer holidays, we’re going to add sensory plants like herbs so when you touch them you get the sensation from the touch – it’s all about awakening the senses.

“We also want to build some ladybird and hedgehog houses to attract wildlife and we’ve had some hanging garden ornaments donated to us.”

To make a donation, call 01795 477788 or email debbiemarsh@meadowfield.kent.sch.uk