CHILDREN at a Swindon primary school have been putting their musical talents to good use after receiving a consignment of new musical instruments.

Throughout the past year, teachers and pupils at Lethbridge Primary School have been raising money for a brand new musical garden, and it was recently officially unveiled to much excitement.

The garden was opened in memory of Lethbridge pupil Ruby Shakespeare, who died of a brain tumour in 2011 at the age of 10.

Tracey Owen, community officer at Lethbridge, said: “Every year on the anniversary we do the Fat Cow Fun Day for the children, which raises money for Ruby’s charity.

“On Friday we hosted lots of cow-related activities, such as pin the tail on the cow. The pupils came dressed as cows and they all watched as we cut the cow ribbon on the new musical garden.”

“The garden is very ad hoc and suitable for children with special needs as well. It’s something that Ruby would have loved.

“The children absolutely love the instruments.”

Ruby’s friends – who have just finished their GCSEs – joined Ruby’s mum Annette for the musical garden opening. “Music always played a really big part in Ruby’s life. She was always moved by music and listened to music throughout her treatment.

“We wanted to have a lasting memorial to Ruby at the school. We had a chat with the headteacher at the school and between us we came up with the idea of the musical garden.”

A specialist company installed the wooden and plastic instruments during summer half term. The instruments have been tuned so they sound in perfect harmony.

“I was walking past recently and what was really lovely was that I could hear the music before I saw the children.”

To donate to the Fat Cow Fund, the charity set up in Ruby’s memory, visit: www.rubysfatcowfund.co.uk.