Branden's Trail, created at Bridport Primary School in memory of former pupil Branden Wayland, has been completed with the installation of a tree that will be brought to life with leaves created by the schoolchildren.

The trail was created in memory of five-year-old Branden, a reception class pupil who died of cancer, and as a lasting legacy to other children.

Co-ordinated by the Bridport Young Persons Action Trust (BYPAT) and Daryl Chambers of Bridport Town Council, the trail was made possible thanks to the support of several organisations – some local and some from further afield, such as Green Legacy Hiroshima. Donations were also received from a number of individuals.

The children of the school had the final say on everything that went into the trail, explaining themselves: "The trail is remembering a young life lost. The trail means a lot. Children can feel comforted in this space. They have a calm place to come to."

Now the final touches are being made to the trail, with local artist Bryony Moores O'Sullivan donating a painting of a dead tree, destined to be brought back to life with hundreds of leaves designed by every child in the school.

The Dead Tree/Living Tree Project has now begun, thanks to a partnership involving the Living Tree Charity, Bridport Community Shed, BYPAT, the town council and the School itself, with much appreciated advice and support from the Decorator Centre.

This year's 60 Year 6 leavers very much wanted to be able to add their leaves before moving on t secondary school, so this challenge was squeezed into their busy last week at Bridport Primary.

Come the autumn, the dead tree will be alive and thriving with the foliage of children's thoughts – thoughts of every child in the school.