SPECIAL guest, TV presenter Nigel Marven and some exotic animals were welcomed in Hawkesbury Upton at the official opening of a pre-school’s new £4,000 outdoor space.

Hawkesbury Pre-school & Toddlers launched their new free-flow open space at a ceremony on Friday, May 22, where wildlife TV presenter Nigel Marven was invited along to cut the ribbon and join in the celebrations.

Mr Marven also brought along his pets, a North American bullsnake and a blue-tongued skink, to show to pupils as the space was officially opened. Crowds of residents and staff of the pre-school, which is run as a non-profit charity, attended High Street.

Mel Thompson, chairman of the pre-school committee, said: “The creation of the space has been a real community affair, organised by the committee of volunteer parents, who between them secured the grant and organised the building of it.

“A local village tradesman – JH Walker – who is based in the village, did the building work, the local Waitrose provided volunteer staff to paint it as part of their ‘Community Matters’ scheme and now we are thrilled that it is complete.

“The whole community has made a huge effort and there are so many who deserve thanks, who have been part of the project which has allowed the children to now play inside and outside.”

Mr Marven said: “It’s great to see an open space like this.

“The rarest animal in the wild now seems to be a child nowadays so I am happy to see more is being done to encourage them to go outside and explore and play.

“It’s important to get this generation interested in the world outside and animals, particularly endangered animals.

“I brought along the animals to make today a bit more exciting for the children, and I hope the new space is well-used and enjoyed.”

The funding for the project came from a New Homes Bonus Grant of £2,950 and a further £1,500 which was donated from a South Gloucestershire Community Grant.

Former chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, Howard Gawler, who also attended the event, said he thought it was a ‘fantastic area’.

He said: “I do think it’s money well spent, it’s a fantastic area which has undergone a big transformation with lots of attention to detail.”

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