Rowdeford School this week got a boost in its bid to create a new eco-learning centre on its grounds.

The Touchstone property management company handed over a cheque for £10,000 on Tuesday which will go towards the cost of demolishing an old outbuilding at the former manor estate and the creation of the centre where children with special educational needs can learn vocational skills.

Teacher Kate Walling said: “We are so delighted Touchstone have offered us their help.

“Our eco-learning project is an exciting new venture which aims to open doors to rewarding and sustainable futures in the community and in workplaces for young people with special educational needs.

“We aim to become a hub for community environmental learning, breaking down barriers between people with special educational needs, the wider community and workplaces.”

Belinda Manning, the project director, said: “The eco-learning centre is a supportive environment where students feel safe to challenge themselves and take risks, and where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn.

“We actively seek opportunities for people of different abilities to work together and learn from each other.”

The eco-learning project is just the latest in a list of successes achieved by Rowdeford Charity Trust, founded by governor Col Mike Bowden, who received an MBE for his work.

Over the years the trust has successfully raised funding for a new sports hall and the conversion of a disused carriage house to a specialist arts therapy centre. An apple store was converted into a classroom and the Victorian walled garden was turned into a horticultural learning centre.