A PEACE garden has been opened at a Whitchurch school to commemorate their former governor.

The garden, at Whitchurch CofE Federation, is in memory of the late Anne Monie and was opened her husband Malcolm Monie at a ceremony held this month.

Sarah Cope, executive principal of the Whitchurch CofE Federation welcomed Malcolm and family along with members of the community and St Bart's Multi academy trust to open the peace garden.

The garden has been created by the Whitchurch Wildlife Trust, of which Anne was a member and features peace roses, keepsake tiles and willow sculptures created by children from the school and artist Sarah Gallagher.

Malcolm officially opened the garden, following a blessing from Reverend Judy Hunt.

"Mrs Monie was loved and respected by everyone with whom she came into contact, both within our school and in the wider community," said Mrs Cope.

"She enjoyed being part of our school and making a difference to the children within it.

"We all came to know her as a valued friend and a very special person. She always had a smile for everyone and a deeply caring nature.

"She had started to support our children at playtimes and sat out in this small area to offer care, advice or just someone to talk to or pray with, which I know the children valued highly.

"We wanted therefore to develop the same area in which she sat as a lasting memorial by creating a place of peace where children, staff and parents can reflect, pray and remember Mrs Monie for years to come.

"We are delighted that we can now share this work with all of our community and especially with those who helped us fund this reflection project."