PUPILS and staff at Knockavoe School and Resource Centre launched their new £81,000 'Iona Garden' yesterday, a garden full of creativity and imagination.

The official opening was performed by Sarah Travers of the BBC who congratulated the school on developing such a wonderful facility which will undoubtedly enhance the learning experience for everyone involved at the school.

Sarah Travers went on to say, "The state-of-the-art Iona Garden is a wonderful new facility at Knockavoe School and Resource Centre. The stimulating and creative environment will enhance pupil's development of concentration, memory and social skills. I am very pleased to take part in this wonderful occasion and I wish the staff and pupils of Knockavoe many hours of enjoyment in the Iona Garden."

The Iona Garden was developed through a unique partnership between Knockavoe School and Resource Centre, BBC Children in Need who donated £51,000 and the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) who contributed £30,000 through the Minor Works Programme.

The spectacular multi-sensory garden will provide the pupil's at Knockavoe School and Resource Centre with a fulfilling experience of art, music, story and excitement in an outdoor setting. It is a large multifaceted sensory and creative development, stimulating a range of senses for the pupils. It is divided into six distinct sensory experiences and includes large scale interactive sculptures as well as a garden of remembrance.

The Iona Garden Project is a direct response to the needs of children with disabilities, addressing their emotional, physical health and wellbeing through creative play.

Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Anne Smith, added, "The Iona Garden is a great facility in which the children can build on their skills, confidence and self esteem. This will result in life long skills and increase participation in community life."

Dorothy Kinkaid, Knockavoe School and Resource Centre Principal, said, "The new Iona Garden is a great pleasure for both pupils and staff, who will be able to escape to such bright and colourful surroundings and play in such a safe yet fun environment.

"I want to pay tribute to everyone involved in making this happen. All the staff, the Environmental Committee, especially Mabel Gillespie, for their commitment to raising funds, Sarah Travers for performing the opening, to BBC Children in Need and the WELB for their generous donations, Genevieve Jon Designs for their imaginative and creative sculptures, Hawthorn Heights for the wonderful paving works and to the WELB Grounds Maintenance Team for the building and landscaping works throughout the garden."

The name of Iona Garden is dedicated to recently deceased, Mrs Iona McFerran, a lifelong supporter of Knockavoe School and previously Glenside School and special education in general.