THE Bishop of Ramsbury visited Chapmanslade Primary School on Tuesday to unveil a unique flower planter designed by pupils of the school.

Local residents helped pupils design the planter, which is partly made of ironwork from the original Victoria Bridge in Bath, constructed in 1836 by James Dredge, who was born in Chapmanslade.

Redwood Class at Chapmanslade Primary School designed the planter in lessons over the past year to recognise the achievements of the Chapmanslade-born civil engineer.

Phil Jefferson, Chapmanslade parish council chairman, said: "It was wonderful to be able to celebrate the achievement of one of Chapmanslade's famous residents in this way, and a great opportunity for the school, the church and the wider community to work together on this exciting community project."

Victoria Bridge was the first bridge built by James Dredge in 1836 as a quick and easy way to get his beer across the River Avon to the Great Western Railway and the new industrial area.

The central column of the planter is an original part of the bridge donated to the village following its refurbishment in 2014.

He built over fifty wrought iron suspension bridges to his patented design throughout Great Britain and the Commonwealth during the Victorian age of the Industrial Revolution.

Rev Pauline Reid, vicar and Rural Dean for Heytesbury Deanery, said: "What a brilliant example of community, church and school working together. I feel very blessed to be part of such a committed and hardworking community."

Tea, coffee and cakes were available in St Philip and St James’ church afterwards, where display boards describing James Dredge’s life and the history of Victoria Bridge were on show.