GOOD WEATHER blessed the opening of the Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy’s new outdoor classroom with Councillor Simon Jacobs arriving to cut the ribbon.

The school in Great Cheverell welcomed over 300 people to attend the official opening, including the 150 pupils at the school. The idea for the outdoor classroom, conceived by the pupils of the school, was brought to life after the school received a number of generous grants and donations from local businesses and organisations.

Debi Bell- Hosking, 45, member of the Holy Trinity Parents and Friends Association, said: “Everyone worked really hard for this to happen. To raise the money the children held a fair in March, we did a tuck shop every Friday and we even visited a few businesses who were very generous and helped us towards the target. We raised a total of £9,000 and then the Devizes Area Board gave us a grant of £2,500, to all in all we had over £11,000.”

The new classroom already has the pupils and staff excited about being able to utilise it for future lessons.

Mercedes Henning, head teacher of the school, said: “As well as being able to play in this beautiful structure, children will have poetry, biology, religious education, art, music and many other lessons outside, under shelter. The children are excited about being able to watch the wildlife in Bluebell Wood through the hide wall and will learn to identify common birds and plants with the books and equipment available in the outdoor classroom.”

Originally expected to be opened by Claire Perry who had to pull out last minute due to referendum commitments, Chairman of the Devizes Area Board Coun Jacobs arrived to cut the ribbon.

Gemma Ackerman, chairman of the PFA, said: “This project has been a joy and a pleasure to be a part of. The generosity of the school and local community has been overwhelming and I can’t keep saying thank you enough.”