A MEMORIAL garden to two children killed in a house fire started by their father has been officially opened at North Tawton Community Primary School.

Eight-year-old Zak Varma and his four-year-old sister, Chloe, died after the blaze at their home in North Tawton in June 2007.

Chef, Ian Varma, who set the fire, also died.

Zak was a pupil at North Tawton Community Primary School and his younger sister was due to have started at the school in January 2008.

Pupils helped design the garden which features butterflies, rainbows and sunflowers, favourite things of both children.

The children's mother, Alison Bickell, performed the official opening.

She said : "I cannot begin to tell you the sense of pride I feel at the opening of this special memorial garden in memory of my children Zak and Chloe Varma.

"Nor can I thank the staff and pupils of North Tawton Primary School enough for making this wonderfully, special place, a reality.

"They too should be very proud of their achievement, particularly Marina Cassells who has been such an inspiration in this project.

"It is wonderful that their brother Lee and little sister Lara can see just how much both Zak and Chloe meant to everyone at the school, and indeed, all those who met them.

"Clearly this memorial garden is born out of terrible tragedy and I miss Zakman and Chloe more than it is possible to say, but we must also remember that Lee and Lara lost their brother and sister too, leaving a huge gap in their lives, a loss that no child should have to suffer.

"It means so much to me that Zak and Chloe have a permanent tribute to them and I know they will never be forgotten.

"Above all, I hope that this memorial garden will be a symbol of happiness and not sadness, a place where everyone who uses it will find peace and contentment."