Wynyard Primary School has opened a new garden for students, thanks to a generous donation from the grandparents of two of the school’s pupils.

Dr Satinder Paul Hansrani, 80, a former chemical engineer at British Steel, and Unu Meera Hansrani, a retired teacher, have had a strong ethos in education.

After Dr Hansrani was given a terminal diagnosis in February 2019, he wanted to leave a legacy that would continue the couple’s love of education for years to come. 

In discussion with Roger Ward, headteacher of the school that their grandchildren Jasmine and Olivia attend, the idea of educational gardens that could be used by the children in key stage 2 was born.

Four gardens, one for each year group, will allow the children to make the gardens their own, with growing beds for planting, each equipped with its own tools, fruit trees lining the rear, a small shed and a white board to put on learning points or interests. It is hoped that the children will use the gardens as an added learning space to study or read, to explore, recycle boots to make bird boxes and go beyond the curriculum.

Mr Ward said: “The gardens will become part of school life, offering a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities. 

“Obviously, it is a very tough time for the family, but we hope the gardens form lasting legacy. They are very special people and we will for sure hold close the Hansrani family name when using these wonderfully inspiring facilities.

“It was lovely to see Dr Hansrani with the family at the launch. 

“The launch day was greeted by warm sunshine and unbroken blue skies around the school in mid-winter, and it felt as if it was meant to be. 

“They should feel really proud of what they have brought to the pupils.’’