A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to create a new sensory room and garden at a college.

Staff and students at East Durham College hope to raise £500 to help convert an empty room at the college’s Houghall campus, near Durham City, and hope to raise further cash to transform an overgrown garden.

The facilities would help autistic students and the sensory room would have items such as a light projector, bubble tubes, wall and ceiling decorations and light and sound apparatus.

Lecturer Laura Richardson said: “This is a great project for the students who have taken this on as an enterprise project and are planning activities to raise money for the makeover.

“This facility will greatly benefit social interaction, relaxation and the emotional health of our learners.

“The sensory room and garden will also provide a stimulating yet calming atmosphere that will help to improve hand-eye coordination, develop language skills and fundamental sensory skills.”

For more information or to get involved, call 0191-375-4733.