Pupils at a St Albans school will be able to have lessons in the sunshine thanks to a new outdoor learning area.

Oakwood Primary School has turned an overgrown area of its playing field into an outdoor learning area and theatre.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

The work, which was organised by the school’s PTA, was completed by parents with the help of representatives from local environment charity Groundwork Hertfordshire.

Headteacher Zoe Buckley said: "It's part of our strategy to develop outdoor learning and is one of a number of facilities in the school.

"It gives our children firsthand experience of nature and the environment."

St Albans’ mayor Annie Brewster officially opened the new area on Friday (June 28).

During the ceremony the children sang songs for special guests and parent visitors.

It will be used by children in all year groups at the school for lessons and specialist classes.

Ms Buckley added: "Teachers and children are already enjoying the new area and benefitting from the learning opportunities Brambles provides.

"Friday afternoon was a lovely celebration of the children's music and the hard work of parents.

"It is very much appreciated by everybody."

To help complete the project the school enlisted the help of local project The Green Team, a group of young people who volunteer to improve their chances of getting a job, though the charity Groundwork Hertfordshire.

Phillip Cowen, who works with the charity, designed the garden.

He said: "The PTA and several parents have worked really hard over two years to turn a previously overgrown and dangerous space into a fabulous, flexible outdoor classroom and performance area.

"It will be a valuable space for years to come."