THERE were smiles all round as pupils, staff and parents at St Matthias Primary School, in Malvern, celebrated the opening of their new outdoor learning area.

The project, which took almost a year to design, plan and build, was funded by a £10,000 grant from the National Lottery, matched by the school governors. Parents were invited to a special ceremony to celebrate its official opening.

Headteacher Claire Davies believes the new area will make a “significant difference” to children’s learning, offering increased opportunities to be active as well as learning about plant growth and wildlife in its garden areas and much more besides.

“We’re absolutely delighted with it,” she said.

“It really is fabulous and will make such a difference to the children, and it was great to be able to share it with our parents and celebrate together.”