VOLUNTEERS are busy transforming part of the grounds of a Kidderminster school into a Serenity Garden where children can sit and read and escape the hustle and bustle of the playground.

The PTA at St John’s CE Primary School raised around £4,000 from a series of fundraisers over the last year to pay for materials, which include a reading hut, raised beds, bench, arbour and fencing and are building the garden themselves.

Suzanne Finlay, PTA chairman, said the garden was a “work in progress” and the ultimate aim is to erect an outdoor gazebo for the children.

The raised beds were donated by Howdens Joinery and plants have been given by several companies including Homebase, Twigs and Whitlenge Gardens.

Mrs Finlay, a teacher at the school, added: “The PTA members have worked tirelessly to raise funds and drum up donations for the garden, so it is good to see it starting to take shape.

“We still have a way to go but have plenty of volunteers who are willing to help create the garden and assist with its upkeep.”