ST JOHN'S Church of England Academy in Coleford is celebrating this week at the news that they have secured a £9,800 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, which will go towards the creation of a garden of remembrance and reflection at the school.

The Lottery grant brings the total funds for the project to £15,000, as nearly £5,000 has already been raised by the local community.

The woodland garden and pond area is described as being 'away from the busy playground, where students and their families can go to think about issues affecting their lives, helping them to deal with them in a positive way.'

Their grant application added: 'The project will help the more vulnerable to gain the tools to understand loss, whether it be a relative, an acquaintance or a family pet. It will teach them how to take time to face other life difficulties and create stronger individuals, who are able to personally cope with challenge.'

The school, which is adjacent to the Oakdene estate – home to many Two Rivers Housing tenants whose children attend the Academy – had help in preparing their application to the Big Lottery Fund from staff at Two Rivers, whose Community Projects Co-ordinator Jane Cordier said: "We aim to help create supportive and prosperous neighbourhoods and this project fits the bill perfectly. I'm thrilled it was successful. I am sure that the children and their families will all benefit from the creation of this beautiful and natural space where they can take time out to consider the issues that affect their lives."

The plans for the garden were consulted on by parents and students, and the scheme will include two ponds, a wooden pagoda, flower beds with sensory plants, screens created out of reeds and grass, wooden seats and displays of the children's art.

Julie Griffiths, Deputy Headteacher at St John's said: "This is very exciting news. This project will encourage openness, improve communication and help people to confront issues rather than bottling their emotions when things get tough.

"This should create a generation more able to deal with the negative and difficult times they will inevitably face throughout life."

Work on the garden is expected to start soon, and is expected to be completed before the end of summer next year.