HEAVY rain did not stop youngsters in Powick, near Worcester, celebrating the opening of a sensory garden.

Powick Pre-School developed the garden at its base at the village's Parish Hall thanks to a grant of more than £5,500 from Community First.

Now children can grow their own plants and vegetables and learn more about nature.

"It has been wonderful for the children to get outside and learn about the environment," said pre-school manager Barbara Balogh.

"It's a shame that on our opening day it poured with rain, but we still managed to have a good time."

The sensory garden was created with the help of two professional gardeners, taking into account what the children wanted. It was opened by a representative of Community First, accompanied by members of the parish hall committee.

"The children have been heavily involved in the planting," Mrs Balogh said.

"We are able to work with them and explain all about the plants and vegetables and it really helps to stimulate their young minds."