A KINGSWINFORD school’s new peace garden has been opened and dedicated by The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley.

St Mary’s CE Primary School’s new garden, which was blessed by Bishop Graham before a special plaque was unveiled, has been designed by the pupils with the help of the quiet garden movement.

Inspired by the Royal Horticultural Society show, the garden aims to provide the children with a quiet place where they can go to pray, reflect or chill out.

At the opening, pupils, parents and invited guests enjoyed a picnic lunch at the school, which was followed by performances from the children.

This included a dramatic retelling of The Enormous Turnip, quiet garden personification poetry, violin recitals, as well as ribbon dancing and prayers.

The whole school also performed two songs they had recently been taught, the words of which had been specially written to sum up the school’s values.

Linda Perkins, headteacher, said: “It was a really marvellous afternoon. I’d like to thank all those who worked so hard to make our celebration a success as well as everyone who has helped to create this amazing space.

“The children have loved being a part of designing and building the garden and will now be able to enjoy using it.”