A SCHOOL garden in Keighley is finally blooming more than year after it was destroyed by vandals.

Worth Valley Primary School head Rimah Aasim this week publicly thanked local businesses who gave time and material to rebuild the reflective garden.

She said: “The area is now a quiet tranquil place where children will be able to spend time accessing a variety of activities such as reading, drama and painting which will enhance their outdoor learning opportunities.”

Mrs Aasim particularly wanted to thank Oakworth-based D and D Property Services, whose team spearheaded work on the revitalised garden.

She added: “They gave their valuable time to support us in our hour of need, and it is very much appreciated.”

Worth Valley Primary School, in Bracken Bank, created the 10 by 20 metre garden of reflection in one of its courtyards.

The garden was damaged the day after school broke up for the summer holidays in 2014, as vandals used hammers to smash up bird boxes, a bird feeder and trellises.

The damage came at a time when the school had been considering how to improve the garden, which had become overgrown through the early summer months.

Chairman of governors Adam Getliff blasted the actions on the vandals and issued an appeal for traders to contribute equipment .

At the time, he said the school wanted to replant flowerbeds to attract more wildlife, create a seating area and decking, and provide a spot where pupils could do their own planting.

Business partners Darren Thompson and Danielle Luscombe, who run D and D Property Services, quickly answered the call, after Mr Thompson heard out about the school's plans from his daughter Katie, a pupil at the school.

Sonia Green, office manager at Worth Valley Primary School, this week said Darren, Danielle and their team spent many weeks rebuilding the area.

She said: “They made it a lovely space for the children of Worth Valley to enjoy hopefully for many years to come.

“We would also like to thank Nelson’s Builders Merchants and GSS Skip Hire for their donations towards the project.

“New Coley Nurseries at Denholme supplied us with plants for the garden areas and we have now developed a group of keen gardeners who have taken pride in planting and looking after the space."