YOUNG faces filled with wonder brought bittersweet memories to the mum of schoolboy Finlay Connor as she opened a newly revamped sensory room at Uplands School.

The facility filled with lights, sounds and motion was given a complete makeover thanks to a £15,000 donation by the Finlay Foundation, which was set up in his memory and yesterday pupils had a chance to try it out.

Pam Keppie, head of Stanton House explained the school, which caters for children with severe disabilities and profound learning difficulties, had a sensory room before but it was badly in need of bringing up to date.

“It’s used for lots of different purposes. It is a teaching environment but it is also a therapeutic environment,” she said.

One of the big attractions when it re-opened yesterday was the water bed.

“It’s a new sensation for many of the learners,” she said.

“The idea with most of the pieces is that they are interactive with students. It’s fun, it just gets the children involved and the whole school will use it.”

But she added: “It is of particular importance to learners with visual impairment.”

The school’s chief executive Jackie Smith said: “It is going to change and touch so many children’s lives.”

Niki Connor, who formed the foundation with husband Greg, said since it was formed in 2011 it had helped children in hospices, schools and other organisations in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire and Somerset.

“We see where there is a need and we will donate to things that maybe are overlooked,” she said.

When they contacted the school they found out about the need for an upgraded sensory room and decided to help because it would have a positive effect on so many children and it would be long lasting.

Watching the first pupils exploring the room, she said: “I always feel sad he isn’t here, but it is seeing their faces, the happiness and how much the staff appreciate it.

“It is so worthwhile and so positive. Finlay was such a happy boy and he liked seeing others happy.

“This, I think, is such a fitting tribute to him.”

Finlay was just six when he and his mum were hit by a bus that mounted the pavement as they walked to his school near Pewsey. He died and Niki was so badly injured she spent weeks in hospital.

Since it was started, the Finlay Foundation has donated thousands of pounds to provide toys and sensory equipment to children in hospital.

Money has also gone towards Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Christmas presents for children in refuges and hi vis jackets to schools.