A SPECIAL garden has been opened in memory of a Rednal girl who died from a killer bug almost four years ago.

Rednal Hill School has revamped its garden in a joint venture to mark its golden jubilee in September 2002 and in memory of pupil Heather Preen.

Heather, of Kendall Rise Road, died on August 8, 1999, when she contracted E.coli while on a family holiday in Dawlish Warren, Devon. She was eight-years-old.

Di Slater, head of Rednal Hill Infant School, and Graham Catt, headteacher of Rednal Hill Junior School, both remember Heather fondly.

They said: "We are delighted to be able to dedicate this garden to the memory of Heather. She was a model pupil, a delight to teach and she is sadly missed."

After Heather died, her mum Julie set up a trust fund in her name to raise awareness of the potential dangers of infectious diseases, especially amongst school aged children.

Julie has also produced a fact sheet, which has been distributed around schools, highlighting how disease is spread and the need for pupils to wash their hands regularly.

The Irwin Avenue school also decided to keep Heather's memory alive by setting up the garden situated at the front of the school.

Volunteers removed the old rose plants from the site, which despite being regularly pruned had ceased to flower. They put down fresh soil and planted new shrubs and flowers.

The garden was officially unveiled by Julie last Tuesday afternoon.

"I am very proud to be asked to cut the ribbon and formally open the garden in memory of my daughter Heather," she said.

"I would like to thank the schools and the members of the Heather Preen Trust for their ongoing support."

For further information on the Heather Preen Trust log on to www.heatherpreentrust.org