A sensory shed that can calm children with special needs was unveiled yesterday (June 13).

When the leaders of Leverton School in Waltham Abbey realised it needed a safe place for its special needs pupils to retreat to, they were disheartened when their bids for funding were unsuccessful.

That was until a grandfather of one of the pupils heard of their difficulties and pointed them in the direction of the nearby Forester Lodge.

The Loughton Freemasons took the cause to their heart and set about raising £1,800 for the project, which was increased to £2,000 following a personal donation by organist Tom Kelly.

Work started a year ago and after Mr Kelly had contributed a further £1,500 so the surrounded area could be turfed with artificial grass, it was completed in the last few weeks.

The opening of The Hub was attended by members of Forester Lodge, parents, school governors and teachers and the pupils that will use the facilities.

Mike Barrett, secretary of Forester Lodge, said: "Aimee and her son Reggie, who is autistic and non-verbal, showed us how the sensory shed is used by the children and how it can transform a difficult to manage child into a relaxed, calm person.

"Reggie absolutely loves the hub and was keen to show us the sights, sounds, textures and smells.

"Another pupil who is constantly angry and aggressive has been totally turned around by the hub and his mum says he is a completely different boy.

"Forester Lodge will continue to work with Leverton School to ensure that the Hub remains open and a valued resource for the special needs pupils."