TWO schoolchildren sit in a memorial garden -- a tribute to their best friend whose life was tragically cut short.

Navida Khan and Ryan Martland, both aged eight, were close friends with Ryan Mason, who was murdered in February. The three pals were known as "the trio" by staff at Queensbridge Primary School, Farnworth, as they went everywhere together.

Ryan's two friends worked with other pupils and staff to create the memorial garden at the school in tribute to him.

Headteacher Sheila Holland said: "The three friends were always playing together. Ryan Martland has struggled since his friend's death, but both he and Navida love the garden and they worked really hard on it."

A plaque has also been unveiled in memory of seven-year-old Ryan, whose body was found in a bin bag on Great Lever and Farnworth Golf Course.

Pupils at the school will be encouraged to sit in the peaceful garden and remember their friend.

Ryan's father, Greg Pickup, had wanted to build a permanent reminder of his son at the school, and the staff and children were equally keen to create something lasting in his memory.

Children in Year 4, who had been friends with Ryan, worked especially hard on the garden

Members of Ryan's family, including his father, grandparents and sister, visited the school yesterday to look at the garden, which includes benches, flowers and potted plants.

When the school moves to a new site in 2004, Ryan's garden will be transferred with it.

Ronald Mariner, aged 23, was given a life sentence at Manchester Crown Court last month for the murder of Ryan.