THE first major project completed by a West Devon charity has just been opened in Buckland Monachorum. The multi-sensory room at St Andrew?s Primary School was made possible with the help of the Mary Budding Trust, set up three years ago by former Tavistock mayor Robin Fenner. The trust supports children with special needs. At St Andrew?s the room is used by all the pupils. The special new schoolroom was opened by Dr Ruth Eades, diocesan director of education, and Anthony Wates, chairman of the trust. A grant of £5,500 from the trust financed the wide variety of equipment. An aquatic bubble tube, a fibre optic cascade and mirrors are helping to inspire pupils with special needs ? also included in the room are UV and coloured lights and projected images on the walls. Various writing opportunities are provided through a magic sand box, perspex writing board with UV reflective paint, UV fluorescent letters and a neon notice board. Children who require a calming and soothing experience can rest on a cushioned area listening to the sound of a mountain stream or the sea. The room is used by all year groups and helps all children to feel included in the school community. It has multiple uses, also serving as a medical room and a venue for special needs intervention work. Staff at St Andrew?s said they were very grateful to the trust for supporting the new room, which they say has already made a significant difference to many children?s lives. The Mary Budding Trust was established to raise funds to help support children with special needs, and grants are available to families who need resources to enable their child to progress and develop. Tony Waites said the trust is now committed to help fund a similar multi-sensory room at Tavistock Primary School ? but he urged families of children with special needs to contact the trust if they needed help. He said: ?I want to support other schools as well ? and children in their own homes. It?s about helping children and their families to have a happier and better life. ?We have provided motorised wheelchairs and computer equipment, but it doesn?t have to be big things. ?There are games that encourage writing skills, you can get these light towers which stimulate children, there are things to help visually impaired children, those with hearing impairments or with difficulties with their attention span.? Anyone who feels the trust could be of help to them can call the secretary, Ann McDonald, on 614580. The trust would also welcome donations from businesses, organisations or individuals to help with its work.