A GIANT chair and noisy music wall are two of the fun features in a Forest playgroup's new garden.

The sensory garden at Yorkley playgroup also has colourful water feature and a vegetable patch which will allow the children to grow their own snacks.

The project was kickstarted by an £800 donation from local benefactor Iris Burgess and that was matched by the Forest of Dean Lions Club.

It has taken the small group about a year to raise the £2,500 needed to complete the project.

The garden was designed by local landscape gardener Nick Giles who transformed an unused patch of land.

Chair of the playgroup Joanne Roberts said: "He came up with some really unusual and fun ideas.

"The children love the noisy music wall, sensory ball wall and colourful water feature and the giant chair with red fake grass is set to be a favourite reading place in the summer.

"Nick also built some raised planting beds that we hope the children will enjoy growing their own fruit and vegetables.

"The garden has exceeded our expectations and is going to provide the children with a wonderful space to play and learn in."