WORK to create a nursery memorial garden can get under way after more than £3,500 was raised at a fun day.

Staff at the Hartford Belgrave Nought to Five Day Nursery wanted to dedicate an area at their Riddings Lane base to former pupil Charlie Dyson, three, who died of cancer in early June.

Nursery manager Jennie Shinner, who organised the family event, said: "Saturday was absolutely fantastic and we had such a good turnout. The weather was beautiful and there were lots of activities from bouncy castles to performances from Hartford School gymnasts."

Jennie, who was pleasantly surprised by the total collected, added: "We were aiming for about £3,000 and so far we've got £3,514 and still counting.

"Now that the money has been raised we can get on with the real hard work. We've got lots of digging to do."

But the freshly turned soil will not be empty for long after a green-fingered Winsford couple offered to provide supplies for the site.

Louise and Richard Bond, who run White Moss Nursery and Garden Centre in Widnes, were so touched by Charlie's story they phoned the Guardian to pledge their support.

Louise, of Hartwell Grove, said: "My husband and I were really taken aback after reading about Charlie and felt we wanted to do something to help. We have children ourselves and think the garden will be such an important place for everyone who knew Charlie to go and remember him."

Jennie is delighted by the couple's offer.

She said: "They're going to give us plants, compost and pots and anything else they can to help us which is so kind.

"Charlie was such a character and always smiling so it will be great to have somewhere for the children, staff and his family to go to feel close to him."