A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to create an outdoor learning space for pupils at a Stourport school in memory of their much-loved headteacher.

Staff and pupils at Wilden All Saints CE Primary School were heartbroken when Francesca Fishwick died aged 41 after a short but brave battle with cancer in January last year and believe a Reading Garden will be a fitting memorial.

Charlotte McDonald, head of the school, said: “Mrs Fishwick had a particular love of reading and part of her legacy is that reading is at the heart of our curriculum.”

As well as fundraising by the PTA and school, the reading garden has been chosen for a Tesco Bags of Help grant, which will raise between £500 and £1,500, depending on how many votes it attracts.

Mrs McDonald added: “We want to make this garden a really special place for our pupils to develop their own love of reading and are keeping our fingers crossed it is a popular choice for shoppers when depositing their tokens.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Wilden pupil Hannah Potter, aged 10, and brother Elliot Birt, aged two, add their Bags of Help tokens Wilden pupil Hannah Potter, aged 10, and brother Elliot Birt, aged two, add their Bags of Help tokens

The aim is to transform an underused area of the school grounds into a multifunctional reading garden, seating for up to a class of children and raised beds to grow plants.

It is also hoped to commission a piece of collaborative artwork, such as a mosaic, to which all the children could contribute.

Plans have been drawn up by a landscape designer and PTA volunteers have removed a fence and cleared the ground in readiness for the work which is expected to take place next summer, once funds are in place.

The deadline for the Tesco votes is September 30. The school is also hoping local businesses will support the project with donations of materials.

Anyone who would like to help can contact the school on 01299 822638.