TEN youngsters who designed and built a sensory garden will stand by proudly when it is officially opened next week.

The children, from Pennywell Youth Project's young volunteers programme, Sunderland, designed and put together the garden at the Pennywell Early Years Centre.

Built to mark the International Year of the Volunteer 2001, the garden caters for disabled children and includes wheelchair ramps and raised decking areas.

Nicci Gardener, who worked on the project, said: "We knew the Early Years centre had a derelict piece of land and needed a garden for their disabled children.

"So we came up with the sensory garden and everyone thought it was a great idea.

"The end result is something we are very proud of.

"The staff and children are delighted with it and we couldn't have asked for a more worthwhile project."

Sunderland South MP Chris Mullin, who will open the garden next week, said: "I'm told that each volunteer gave up 77 hours of their time for this. They should all be proud of themselves.