A SENSORY and sound garden at a St Albans school for deaf children was unveiled this afternoon.

Christine Gilbert, the cheif inspector of schools, was invited as a special guest to Heathlands School.

The children, who have been celebrating an outstanding Ofsted report, performed a bear hunt play to demonstrate the different peices of equipment installed in the colourful garden.

Mrs Gilbert said: "This is such a fantastic school. I visit a lot of outstanding schools and this is by far one of the best schools I have seen.

"I have seen such enjoyment and love in everything which is done here."

Staff at the St Albans Marks and Spencer store donated more than £6,000 to the school to help their dreams for the garden come true.

Janet Gould, representative for the St Peter's Street store, added: "As part of out 125th anniversary every store was set a challenge to raise money for a good cause and we chose Heathlands School.

"The whole store has been behind this and it shows what a small donation can create."

In addition to the sound garden the school also boasts a sensory classroom.