A TINY dales school had three reasons to celebrate when North Yorkshire's education chief paid a visit.

North Yorkshire County Council's education director, Cynthia Welbourne, officially opened Gunnerside Methodist Primary's new adventure playground, paid for with money raised by parents in memory of local man Maurice Welford, as well as by the Scott Trail and the Tomlinson Trust.

Ms Welbourne then moved on to launch the school's new wildlife area, built with a £200 grant from the North Yorkshire Business Partnership in recognition of the pupil's previous work on the environment.

An improved pond has already been home to tadpoles, pond-skaters, water boatmen and water beetles this year, while native plants have been taking root in a newly-planted garden.

Finally, Ms Welbourne unveiled a new fabric mural, designed by the children with the help of Rural Arts, which asked pupils to choose subjects to represent the landscape and wildlife of Swaledale.

"We are particularly indebted to parent Pat Coates for her help with the fabric," said headteacher, Penny Vernon.

"Mrs Welbourne was particularly interested in the project, pointing out the mural will be a permanent reminder of their Gunnerside school days for the children who helped to create it.''

Meanwhile, pupils renewed friendly rivalry with Arkengarthdale Primary when all 50 joined in the annual sports day.

A new inclusive policy challenged all the youngsters to try their hands at a series of tests of mental and physical agility.

The points they scored were then added together at the end, although the afternoon still concluded with a traditional flat race on the school field.