A NEW outdoor play area created for Stone Playgroup Pre-school children has finally been opened thanks to generous grants from nearby companies.

A strip of unused land behind the village hall has been transformed into an exciting and engaging environment, with a new playhouse, sandpit and shop front, as well as a very popular water-play area.

The £10,000 development has been supported with a grant from Magnox as well as donations from Stone Village Hall, Renishaw and Stone Garage.

Chairman of the voluntary committee running the play group, Rozlyn Coombe, said: “We’re so grateful to the organisations that helped fund this project as we couldn’t have done it without them.

“The team from The Herbs garden design also did an excellent job.”

Play leader at the Stone Playgroup, Laura Plimbley, who looks after around 23 children, added: “The children love using the outdoor space which offers so many different ways for them to explore and learn.

“It’s a lot more fun than the small area of car park they were playing in previously and engages them in lots of exciting ways.”

Sessions take place in Stone Village Hall on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9am to 12pm, with the option of bringing a packed lunch and staying until 1pm. Pre-school children can also attend a Friday morning session from 9-12pm.

Nursery funding from the government is available for all children the term after their third birthday, and for some two year-olds, too.

For more information, call Jo Thornton on 01454 260828 or email: stonewithwoodfordpat@googlemail.com