PRIMARY school children will be able to opt out of the mayhem of playtime with a spot of quiet contemplation after designing their very own spiritual garden.

The youngsters at Bedale Church of England primary school helped design the garden themselves which will also be used as part of lessons.

The rector of Bedale, Rev Ian Robinson and methodist minister Rev Kathleen Wood officially opened the garden built with donations from Bedale Coop and local charity the rector four and twenty.

Headteacher Liz Turnbull said: "I am very proud of the children's ideas and their mature and sensitive approach towards our spiritual garden. It'll be used for times of reflection and contemplation at playtime and for lessons."