A NEW memorial garden at Wimborne’s QE School was bathed in glorious sunshine for an official opening ceremony.

The garden, described as a place of reflection and contemplation, was officially opened by Mike Sheldon, whose 17-year-old son, Peter, died when he was a sixth form student at QE in 1998.

QE students have recently moved into a new multi-million pounds building, meaning the original Peter Sheldon Memorial Garden opened in 1999 no longer exists.

School business manager Kevin Brougham said the school community had been looking forward to the opening of the new garden, which has water features, wild flowers and a bridge.

“We always said we would recreate a memorial garden in the grounds of the new building” he said. “We are very aware of the pressures on young people and it is a place for quiet reflection for pupils and also for staff.”

Students and guests were welcomed to the opening by head teacher Martin McLeman who then handed over to the Rector of Wimborne Minster, Rev Vanessa Harrick, for a blessing. Mr Sheldon, whose connections with the school include being a parent and a chair of governors, then declared the garden open.