A SENSORY garden has been created at a respite care home in Chippenham for adults with learning and physical disabilities.

The garden was designed to provide a stimulating environment for people taking short breaks at the Wiltshire County Council-run Derriads respite care home.

The garden has a large gazebo, dry stream and pathway that allows access for wheelchair users, as well as a mixture of plants specially selected for their smell, colour and texture.

Funds for the sensory garden were raised by the Friends of Derriads and Meadow Lodge and included a £10,000 grant from the Millennium Commission's Community First scheme.

Friends secretary Shirley Folkes said: "It is wonderful to see this garden after all the hard work that was put into it."

Respite manager Barbara Pollard said: "It is designed for people with learning disabilities and associated conditions who will benefit from a greater sensory experience."

The garden will be officially opened on October 4 by North Wiltshire MP James Gray.

"Respite care is an important service provided by the county council at Derriads and Meadow Lodge and I am keen to support it in every possible way," he said.