YOUNGSTERS have swapped the classroom for the great outdoors following the opening of a new 'forest school'.

Pupils at All Saints Primary School in Farnworth have downed their pens and paper for mud and grass thanks to a £10,000 lottery grant which has helped them create the outdoor area.

In the forest school the children are encouraged to build dens and learn how to light fires to boos their Bear Grylls style survival skills.

The move outside is part of a national initiative which aims to highlight the benefits of outdoor learning.

Headteacher Mrs Katie Hague said: "A lot of our children don't play out at home so we want to help them experience that and get outside.

"When I was younger we used to go out and build dens, but children don't seem to be doing that any more.

"The children go out every week, and they have really enjoyed it so far. They all get really giddy about being able to go outside and play."