A MEMORIAL garden has been created at a York school in tribute to a pupil who died in his sleep, aged three.

Kenzie Hall, who was described as a “bundle of energy,” died in November 2016 when he fell asleep and never woke up.

Kenzie was a nursery pupil at Haxby Road Primary Academy and now pupils walking into the nursery and reception playground have a permanent reminder of him.

A wooden archway has been created, along which yellow-flowering plants which will grow from two wheelbarrow planters situated to either side.

A bench has also been installed, with a plaque attached which states: “In memory of Kenzie Hall,” and a second larger plaque is being created.

Headteacher Laura Woodward said yellow had been Kenzie’s favourite colour and the wooden arch itself would be painted yellow eventually.

“We have quite a lot of children who really remember Kenzie and we wanted to keep his memory going,” she said.

Money to pay for the garden was raised through a family fun day last summer, organised by Lyndsey Relf, who has a daughter at the school who knew Kenzie, and by Gregg and Kellie Kelly.

The fun day, held at the York Hospital Sports and Social Club, in White Cross Road, off Haxby Road, raised £640.82 and was attended by scores of people, with attractions including live music, a bouncy castle, face painting, games, a barbecue and bar.

The bench was unveiled yesterday, with those present including Kenzie’s best friends and his cousins, and his parents David and Sarah.

They spoke of their gratitude for the fundraising drive and the work to create the area, which would create a permanent reminder of Kenzie for anyone entering the playground.

David said: “It’s beautiful. It looks amazing.” Sarah said: “I think its a brilliant idea. It looks really beautiful. I cannot thank them enough.”

Former head teacher at Haxby Road Primary, Zoe Lightfoot, has previously paid tribute to Kenzie as “a lovely little boy’ who loved playing outside, saying: “He was a bundle of energy, he was loved by all our staff and children.

“We just felt in order to commemorate his time with us we would create a special garden of reflection in Kenzie’s name. He had a big impact on everyone he met. He certainly won’t be forgotten.”

His father David has also told previously how Kenzie was an energetic and polite little boy who loved playing outside and inside, adding: “He was a typical little boy. He was always a good boy.”