YOUNG explorers are experiencing fun outdoor adventures ­— no matter what the weather.

Pupils at St Peter's Smithills Dean CE Primary School are enjoying cooking on a camp fire, den building ­— and could probably teach Bear Grylls a thing or two as they explore the great outdoors right on their doorstep.

The school successfully applied for a £10,000 lottery grant to transform part of the school field, develop projects and use it as an outdoor classroom.

This week, youngsters showcased the area and what they had been doing to parents, grandparents and visitors from the community.

Liz Woodhouse, reception teacher and who leads the outdoor learning at the school, said: "We held a celebration of the projects we have been running over the last months in developing the outdoor learning area.

"Grandparents and parents cam in to work alongside the children."

She added: "They loved it, they were so supportive and amazed at what we have got."

The new area includes a patch where children can plant vegetables which will be then given to members of the community and a quad area representing the Christian values of the school, in which children have planted flowers and created artwork.

"We are developing the quad area into a reflective area for children to go and will also be used by the church," said Mrs Woodhouse.

Activities children have been taking part in include building using tools under supervision, cooking by the camp fire.

"The children are looking after the area," said Mrs Woodhouse, "The area is about their wellbeing, and about children's learning using it for literacy and for the broader curriculum.

"It has a massive impact on building their confidence and self-esteem through working in teams and they enjoy being outdoors whatever the weather."