Rain suddenly subsided and the sun shone as an emotional crowd gathered to watch Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley open the Violets In Bloom children's memorial garden near Lichfield.

Violet Mornington was just five years old when she died of an extremely rare blood disorder in July 2013 – just seven weeks after falling ill on her birthday with suspected tonsillitis.

On Wednesday afternoon (August 9), more than 100 friends and family members came together to witness the culmination of four years of fundraising – the Violets In Bloom children's memorial garden at Lichfield and District Crematorium in Fradley.

The Rock Choir sang everyone in with a rendition of True and Violet's mum and dad Kerry and Ivan gave a touching speech thanking everyone involved in the mammoth fundraising task.

Then Tony, who came along with his wife Alison and their two children, said a few heartfelt words and cut the ribbon.

"It's a beautiful, beautiful garden," Tony told the gathered crowd on Wednesday.

"We've had stacks and stacks of rain and what happened today? For the opening of this beautiful garden, the sun shines."

Later, doves were released and Violet's schoolfriends sang a tribute song penned by Violet's uncle.

The Rock Choir then continued to sing and provide entertainment while children played on the brand new equipment installed in the garden.

Tony heard about Violet – a spirited tomboy who hated wearing pink – when her family began raising funds for a children's memorial garden in her honour.

He remembered Violet's singer-songwriter dad Ivan singing Through The Barricades in the 2000 final of Stars In Their Eyes.

The show featured a special good luck message from Tony to Ivan – a lifelong Spandau Ballet fan.

So he penned a touching letter of condolence to Ivan including concert tickets for a charity auction in 2015.

With support from the local community the charity Violets In Bloom founded by Kerry and Ivan raised over £75,000 and work finally began on the finished design in May this year.

The garden is thought to be the first memorial of its kind based entirely on donations from the community. Created by Warwick Taylor Landscapes, it incorporates an arched walkway, a small play area and a statue of two children dressed as superheroes designed by Ivan.

Ivan and Kerry would like to thank the following sponsors for making the garden possible: Dan Berry Freestyle Martial Arts Academy, M6 Toll, Lichfield Printers, Move Corp, Staffordshire Community Foundation, Ladies Circle Lichfield and White Lodge personalised clothing.