A SCHOOL has opened a memorial garden to remember the lives of three children who died in the tsunami.

Nim Hoy, whose husband John and children Robert, David and Kate were swept away in the 2004 Boxing Day tragedy, opened the garden at Crofton Junior School, Towncourt Lane, Orpington.

After a fundraising event pupils commemorated the deaths of their classmates by releasing 700 balloons into the sky in October last year.

Then £1,400 from the fundraiser was used to buy the benches in the garden, which was designed and is sponsored by Plantazia Landscapes, Orpington.

Headteacher Richard Sammonds said: "Mrs Hoy was remarkably brave, if a bit tearful and she gave a speech which bowled us all over.

"We thought it would be a nice way for the children to remember their classmates and also for Mrs Hoy, who can come and visit the garden at any time."

Mrs Hoy said: "I was thrilled to be there, it was an honour. It was quite emotional but I was moved as the garden reflects the lives of my children and how wonderful they were.

"It was moving to know how much they are missed by their friends."