A new spiritual garden has been blessed by the Bishop of Sherborne.

The Rt Revd Karen Gorham opened the new Spiritual Garden at Shillingstone CEVA Primary School in a short service for 150 people, including pupils, staff and guests, led by Rev Lydia Cook.

Featuring the work of local craftsmen and members of the school PTA, the garden was designed and created by parents Mrs Rachel Oakley and Mrs Jean Cutler.

Formally opening the garden, Bishop Karen cut the ribbon across the entry archway, created by local craftsman Alec Fincham, leading to its centrepiece, a circular paved area with a sun motif bordered with a spectacular curved seat made by parents. An attractive block of stone from Marnhull Stone Ltd had been beautifully carved with the inscription ‘Be still and know that I am God’ by stonemason Paul Louth.

Revd Karen Gorham blessed the garden and described it as “a great resource which will be an inspiration for many generations to come.”

She added: “It is amazingly creative: a place of peace, contemplation and prayer. Wonderful.”

Former School Governor Mr Tony Tew, explained the progress of the project over the last two and a half years and thanked all those who had made it possible by their donations of money, goods or services, including those from the school PTA, Blackmore Vale Lions and Grenville Educational Media.

He said: “The children’s efforts were awesome. Raising money through sponsored events including running, dancing, cake sales and non-uniform days and also helping with planting bulbs, lavender - and much more.”