TOP garden designer Wendy Allen has put her talent to excellent use at a village school near Marlborough to create a water garden.

Ms Allen, who lives in Marlborough and who won a gold medal at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show for her rain garden, has now designed one for St Michael’s primary in Aldbourne.

She said: I designed and built the garden with volunteers from Action for the River Kennet.”

The garden includes a pond, water butts for water play, a sandpit and a wooden walkway.

A school spokesman said: “Rain gardens slow the flow of rainwater, helping to reduce flash flooding. Rain water is stored so that the pupils can enjoy water play without wasting mains water. The rain water can also be used to water the plants.”

The garden was officially opened last week by Alison Edmonds the chairman of Aldbourne Parish Council after it was blessed by the Rev Sue Rodd. Funding for the project came from Thames River Trust, Revere Charitable Trust and the school.