Teachers and students who died while at a school have been remembered with the opening of a memorial garden.

The Tranquillity Garden at Epping St John’s C of E School in Bury Lane, Epping, was opened today.

The site, on ground previously part of the former school site, has been dedicated to seven students and three teachers.

Jennie Gould, 52, is mother of Paul Orpin who died at the age of 12 in 1996 after being involved in a road accident on his way to catch the school bur in North Weald.

The year he died Paul was nominated for an award after he took care of a new pupil who had moved to the school and made sure they settled in.

She said: “Paul was very kind and caring and a diehard Tottenham fan.

“I think it’s a really lovely thing to do and it will be a lovely area for people to come and remember.

The garden has been planted with apple, plum cherry and pear trees by students studying for a B-Tech in Horticulture at the school.

Commemorative plaques have been installed in the garden and a memorial bench will also be placed in the grounds.

The pupils and teachers remembered at the site are; Alan Docking, Philip O’Dwyer, Sharon Last, Justin boughen, Sarah Price, bob Barratt, Glesni Evans, Natalie Moran, Paul Orpin and Daniel Gostling.

Bryony Morrison who is vicar of Epping Upland and chairman of governors at the school said a prayer at the opening of the garden.

She said: “It’s a lovely idea to have a garden to remember students and teachers which relatives can use.

Headteacher George Yerosimou said: “All members of staff and students are very important to us.

“We wanted a place in our brand new school to remember those who have passed away.”

The school wanted to thank local businesses and individuals who helped fund the creation of the garden.