STEPPING Stones Pre-school in Elberton is celebrating, as they have achieved their fundraising target and provided new equipment for their students.

The pre-school, which caters for children aged two to four, have raised enough money for a new climbing frame and a mud kitchen, which are now located in its walled garden.

Children can ‘cook’ in the mud kitchen, complete with plastic cooker, pots and pans, a real sink and lots of mud.

Stepping Stones raised £400 through a sponsored ‘find-it’ over Easter. Children were tasked with finding lots of different items over the break, including a round pebble, a ticket and a yellow primrose. When they arrived back at pre-school, they were encouraged to discuss their items and how they found them.

The pre-school, located at Elberton Village Hall, has been fundraising all year, holding lots of events and cake sales.

Fiona Kitson, Pre-school Assistant at Stepping Stones, said: “Staff members’ families have done all the digging and building. Everyone’s really excited to see what their efforts have achieved.

“There’s quite a buzz, and not just amongst the children.”

Stepping Stones will be showing off their updated garden at their open morning on Wednesday May 14 from 10am until 12pm.

Parents and children will be invited to join in the weekly ‘Woodlands Session’, hunting for mini beasts, making dens and mud pies, exploring, climbing and singing.