A SPECIAL school in Widnes is appealing for £40,000 to help create a much-needed sensory garden.

Chesnut Lodge, in Green Lane, caters for pupils aged between two and 16 with a wide range of medical, physical and learning needs.

The school is trying to raise funds this year to pay for an upgrade to their tired sensory garden area which is in desperate need of a make-over after years of use.

Glynis Jones, infant teacher, said: "We are appealing to businesses and kind-hearted people for contributions to help us to achieve our goal of £60,000.

"Our school community has raised just over £20,000 so far but we have such a long way to go.

"We are aiming to have the new sensory garden and learning area installed by a specialist company during the summer break in August.

"We have had extensive talks with the company and have plans in place."

If anyone can help contribute to Chesnut Lodge's fund please contact jonesg@chesnutlodge.net or head.chesnutlodge@halton.gov.uk.