THE site of a former parish hall is being transformed into an outdoor classroom for primary school children.

St Gregory's RC Primary School in Farnworth has been given a National Lottery grant for almost £10,000 to create a Forest School on that site in which young people can enjoy an outdoors education.

The transformation is part of a larger project to enhance the school's outdoor provision for youngsters.

A new play area has already been created for younger children

Groundworks on the former site of St Gregory's parish hall are almost complete, with the Forest School setting expected to be open to children in the coming weeks.

The National Lottery grant will pay for additional play resources, protective clothing and den building equipment as well as other activities for the children.

The school says that the new site will help young people develop new skills, increase their confidence through having fun in the great outdoors.

Teachers will be trained to lead the sessions.

Activities could include everything from toasting marshmallows on a camp fire to making their own dens and essentially creating their own adventures, unlocking their creativity.

Jen Whiteside, a parent governor at St Gregory’s RC Primary, said: "At a time when the environment is such a big issue, we are thrilled that our children now will have this fantastic space to enhance their learning and wellbeing, thanks to the National Lottery players."

Mrs Watson, headteacher, added: "We can now increase the range of learning opportunities available to our children with this exciting development at St Gregory’s."

Once work is finished, a special celebration will be held to showcase the Forest School and the new play area to parents.

Regular Forest School Family Festivals will be held in which children will display their work.