AN INNOVATIVE outdoor classroom in the grounds of a Hartlepool school was officially unveiled today (Wednesday, June 17) with the help of a children’s television star.

CBBC presenter Naomi Wilkinson was a guest at the launch of the Rossmere Forest School project at Rossmere Primary School and opened the site in front of 1,200 children from across the town.

The project has involved turning a former playing field into a natural learning environment featuring an outdoor eco-classroom, a wetland area, a pond-dipping platform, areas for den building, a bird station and a teaching space based on the design of a traditional Central Asian nomad yurt.

Rossmere Primary School headteacher Lynne Pawley said: “The transformation has been amazing and the site is set to provide a huge boost to learning for pupils in all parts of the town. It will enable teachers to bring the academic curriculum to life through a range of adventurous, stimulating activities.”

Carol McCletchie, vice-chair of governors at Rossmere Primary School, said: “It is an exciting development for education in the town, and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in turning our dream into reality.”

TV personality Ms Wilkinson has her own show, Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature.