A WATER feature has been opened at a unique play area for children with special needs, in memory of the pioneering founder of the facility.

The feature has been built in recognition of the founder of Bournstream Barbara Saxton, who died in July last year.

The play area, just outside Wotton, was created by Mrs Saxton 25 years ago when she was gifted some land she didn’t have the need for.

She put some of the land in trust and decided to use it as a safe adventure play area for families with disabled children. The play area has since grown, with more play equipment added, and is popular with families from Bristol to Gloucester.

"Barbara was very ahead of her time and pioneering," said Mark Pasco, chairman of the Bournstream committee.

"She was someone who had a great practical compassion and she would have liked the idea of the water feature we have created because it can be used by children. This is all part of her legacy."

The water feature, which was paid for with donations from Mrs Saxton's funeral last year, has shallow and deeper pools and hand rails to allow even wheelchair users to splash through the water.

It was built by Barry Thistlewood-Cox, of Tranquil Fish and Gardens in Wotton, and also includes the well-known Wotton sheep donated by Michael Claydon, of Newark Park.

"We have so much support in the community it is just fantastic," said Mr Pasco, who became involved in Bournstream after he was asked to cut the grass there one day.

"Bournstream just became a bigger and bigger part of my life. It is a very special place and it means so much to the people who use it. It has now become my job to secure its future."

The play area can only be used by members who are given a key to let themselves in whenever they want, meaning it remains a safe and secure place for children to play.

To find out more about Bournstream visit the website at www.bournstream.org.uk