Ken Dodd opens sensory garden

Comedian Ken Dodd opened a new sensory garden at Knotty Ash primary school in Liverpool on 4 September.

BDP designed the garden which was made possible through a £5,000 donation from Laing O’Rourke. Both firms are building the nearby Alder Hey children’s hospital, and this project is part of its community engagement programme.

Architect director Ged Couser said: “The design of the garden integrates different colours, textures and details to become an exciting place for learning and playing. Features such as the bottle cap path and the tyre garden focus on detail to make this a stimulating and sensory place for children.”

Ken Dodd, local resident and former pupil said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to come back to my old school and help in any way I can. Being here brings back very happy memories. This is a wonderful school. I was born here and I still live here, so Knotty Ash has a very special place in my heart. The people around here are very kind and friendly. It’s very generous of the builders to put so much time and energy to provide such a lovely place for the children.”