A MEMORIAL garden has been created at the favourite play spot of a schoolgirl who drowned while paddling in a river.

Caroline Nicholson was ten when she died after getting into difficulties in the River Swale in Catterick Village, North Yorkshire, where she lived, almost two years ago.

A garden has been created in her memory and her mother, Phyllis, unveiled a commemorative plaque yesterday under a tree where Caroline used to play.

Mrs Nicholson, who can see the garden, in Per Ardua Way, from her home, said children had helped to plant the shrubs.

"Caroline would have loved the garden," she said. "She used to play here, by the tree, and the memorial garden and plaque is a fitting tribute to her."

The project was supported by affordable housing provider Home, which owns and manages 30 houses in Per Ardua Way.

Lynn Booth, Home's community development officer, said: "Everyone in the area was devastated by the loss of Caroline and, since then, we have been working with the residents to come up with a fitting tribute.

"Residents were very keen to create something special and permanent in her memory. We have already created a garden area and the children have been marvellous watering the flowers and making sure it's ready for the unveiling of the plaque."

Gardeners and KMS contractors worked with residents on the project, which includes a hopscotch grid and two benches.

Mrs Nicholson said: "I am grateful to everyone for helping us to create something beautiful which will forever commemorate my daughter's life."

Caroline, who was a pupil at Michael Syddall School, in the village, drowned during a family picnic by the river in July 2005.

Dog walker John Proudlock received a Royal Humane Society award for his bravery during the rescue and three teenagers were commended by the coroner for their actions.