PONDLIFE has never meant so much.A former Ipswich school stalwart has been remembered in a new conservation area for children.Mayor Richard Risebrow opened the area at White House School, Ipswich as a tribute to the late Rosemary Matthews who taught there for more than 30 years.

PONDLIFE has never meant so much.

A former Ipswich school stalwart has been remembered in a new conservation area for children.

Mayor Richard Risebrow opened the area at White House School, Ipswich as a tribute to the late Rosemary Matthews who taught there for more than 30 years.

Students at Otley College, Otley designed the 3-year project and was constructed with help from pupils, staff and volunteers from the area.

D.I.Y chain B&Q also provided some materials for the tribute.

Head teacher Anna Hennel James praised the work done in getting the area open: "It was the last head teacher, Mrs. Gooding's idea to run the project. Everybody worked very hard in getting it finished, it was a real team effort."

Community Governor at the school, Phil Hubert said: "Mrs. Matthews was a lovely lady and a great teacher here. This garden is a fitting tribute to her and is a great opportunity for the children to learn about pond life and planting."

In his last public commitment, the Mayor thanked the school for his invitation: "It's nice to see a project such as this in an urban area. It will leave a lasting memory to somebody who gave so much to this school."

The project, designed to educate pupils on pond life and conservation was an instant success amongst the students who also helped create it:

Nenna Okoye, 8, said: "It's really interesting to see the insects in the pond nesting and hatching. It's really fun to watch and learn about."

Lawerence Gilson, 11, said: "It's a very good chance to experience the lives of newts and pond snails in their natural habitats. You can really learn from what you see happening in the pond."