YOUNGSTERS will experience the magic of their very own secret garden – thanks to a lottery windfall.

Emmanuel Holcombe CE Primary School has been given £10,000 from the Big Lottery's Awards for All Grant to develop its outdoor space into "Holcombe Village Secret Garden".

The grounds will be developed into an outdoor classroom where children can take their learning outside. They will learn about growing food, sustainability and developing healthy lifestyles from a young age.

Hannah Sanderson, Early Years lead teacher, who co-ordinated the bid on behalf of the school, said: “We are delighted to have received the Award from the Big Lottery Fund.

"The funding will enable us to provide a high quality learning environment particularly for all our Reception class pupils.”

Sue Wardle, newly appointed headteacher added: “The Big Lottery Award will enable us to totally transform our outdoor learning environment for all our pupils.

"We are very excited to have received the funding to further improve our wonderful school. Huge thanks also to our PTA who are contributing towards the overall cost of the project.”

Work to develop the area will take place over the summer holidays before an official opening takes place in September.

The area has been designed by the whole school — and children, staff and parents all had an input.

Features will include a mud kitchen, texture kitchen, water wall with pump workshop, and hideaway stage.

Twin brothers are looking forward to the development of the outdoor area.

James Bowler, aged five said: "I'm looking forward to watching people sign and dance on the stage."

Harvey added: "I am looking forward to all of it."