A MEMORIAL garden designed by primary school pupils in tribute to their former parish priest has received the blessing of his family.

Children from the Cockerton Church of England primary school worked with the family of Father Richard Wallace to create a fitting memorial to the priest who died in January 2012 aged just 52.

The willow garden takes pride of place at the school and marks the route the popular priest took from the vicarage to his church.

The garden – which features a memorial bench with a plaque and living willow arches - was designed by year six pupil Isaac Dickinson and created by pupils working with willow artists Steve and Simone Fuller.

It was blessed by current parish priest Father Damon Bage at a ceremony attended by pupils, staff and the priest’s family.

Aspiring architect Isaac, 11, said: “We used to see him most days and everyone was really shocked when he died.

“We were asked to come up with a prayer garden in his memory and I started drawing it on paper then made a 3D model using card and platted copper for the crosses.

“Copper would have been too expensive to use so we replaced it with willow, which looks really nice. I was really surprised and thrilled when my design was chosen.”

School chaplain Sarah McTimoney said: “The children have really enjoyed learning how to plant willow saplings to make a fitting artistic memorial to Fr Wallace close to the bench.”