WORK is underway on a new outdoor classroom being built on the riverbanks near Durham Cathedral.

Volunteers started building the new area, using natural materials to blend in with the unspoilt setting.

On Friday, staff from Durham Cathedral joined volunteers from Northumbrian Water to construct a willow screen which will form the boundary of the accessible classroom in the woodlands on the banks of the River Wear.

The overall aim of the project is to create an accessible classroom to enable students with mobility problems to receive outdoor education.

The willow was harvested by volunteers from Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park, at Stockton and donated to the project by Stockton Borough Council.

Pam Stewart, Learning Officer (Outdoors) at Durham Cathedral, said: ‘We are very grateful of this opportunity, thanks to the generous donation from Stockton Borough Council.

"The new outdoor classroom will be a new and exciting resource, enabling us to engage with young people who have mobility problems and ensure that they have access to an outdoor education.

"The invaluable support of volunteers from Stockton Borough Council and Northumbrian Water has made this project possible, and we are looking forward to using the outdoor classroom once it is complete".