Staff and children at Wise Owls Pre-School in Lacock celebrated the grand opening of their outdoor classroom with the help of local councillors and well-known local businesswoman Phyllis Self.

Mrs Self, 101, runs Whitehall Garden Centre with her family and was invited to the opening ceremony as she is a well-known figure in Lacock.

Pre-school administrator Lucy Simms said it was an honour to have her opening the new outdoor area.

“Mrs Self has done a lot for the local community in the past and so we thought we would invite her along to cut the ribbon,” she said.

“Whitehall Garden Centre has donated plants and manure for the children to do some gardening.”

She said district councillor Dick Tonge and parish councillor Terry O’Neill present to see the green ‘wet’ outdoor area that cost £5,500, finally opened.

Staff spent seven years trying to secure a lease for the land from the National Trust.

Mrs Simms said: “It is brilliant to finally have the outdoor area open for the children to play in and have their sessions in.

“They will be able to learn so much more and enjoy themselves in the fresh air now.

“We did regularly take the children out around the village but to have our own area means we can go out at any time of year and whatever the weather.”

She said staff hope it will encourage more parents to use to the pre-school.