A WEE COUNTY school has managed to bag some much-needed lottery funding which will be used to develop a new garden.

Clackmannan Primary School parent council have managed to secure £7,346 from the National Lottery Awards for All.

The money will be used to redevelop the nursery's greenspace and create a new, fresh and inspiring outdoor area for the children to learn.

The project, titled Nature and Nurture in Our Back Yard, involves a working partnership with the local Scouts, Cubs, families, children and members of the local community.

Neil Haston, Wee County explorer scout leader, said: “The explorer Scouts, based in Sauchie, planned to work in the nursery towards their badges and Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

“Many of them had worked at other nurseries including Abercrombie, Coalsnaughton and St Mungos. I am both proud and pleased with their commitment to these projects which show the value of scouting in the community.”

The project, which will last for a whole year, has already started and has allowed children of different ages to work together and provide parents with an opportunity to participate in their child’s learning and promote a sense of community.

Angela Rolland, an early years worker who is leading the project, said: “To date we have enjoyed painting, gardening, creating a beautiful learning hut, stage, mud kitchen and loose parts construction area.

“On completion, we hope to have a music wall, water wall, digging and crawling areas, fire pit and shelter.

"The grant will allow the purchase of vital, new equipment. Donations from other sources have included paint, handicrafts, a mud kitchen cooker and of course every ones time.”

Wee County mens’ sheds have kindly offered to build a log store which will be gratefully used by the nursery.

“We are delighted with the progress made so far and the children are already benefitting from this new learning environment,” Angela added.

Angela also wished to pay thanks to numerous people who have helped with the project.

She said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the hard-working volunteers and thanks also to Neil Haston Garden Services and Norland Joinery Ltd, for free use of their tools and labour.

“We would also like to thank the National Lottery Awards for All for this exceptional funding in making a difference in children’s lives.”