HE has established a national reputation for helping youngsters to create their own adventures through play.

And today, landscape artist and designer Oliver Wotherspoon will fly to Uganda for what is his most important 'big build' project to date.

Oliver, whose work is often showcased on television, will be creating a playground to help children who would not normally receive an education.

He was approached by charity Act4Africa to design, manufacture and install a natural play area at a centre for women with small children in Mayuge Town, South Eastern Uganda.

It is part of a project, known as Kathy’s Centre, which provides the community, including vulnerable women and children of the district, with vital health and support services, pre-school education, a youth club and agricultural, enterprise and financial literacy training.

He said: "The school only opened last week to give children an opportunity to receive an education.

"I will be developing the outdoors to benefit the children. Play areas are so important for children's development and learning. It gets them to go outside and use their imagination which helps their learning.

"They are still learning but through creativity."

Oliver runs Cool Canvas, and has developed school grounds throughout Bolton, including a Shire inspired by the book The Hobbit.

He has sent his designs to Uganda with instructions for materials and is planning to stay there for two weeks.

He said: "The outdoor area will include a role play area and allotments so they can grow their food. I have had pictures sent back to me when they have bought the materials.

"Parents will help me create the area, because it will be too much for just me. I will be teaching them skills of joinery and landscape so they can develop and maintain the area when I have gone.

"I have never been so nervous about a project to help children, who would normally not get an education. It is amazing to be part of it."

Oliver will next be on television on March 8 on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.