A SCHOOL'S grounds in Guisborough have been transformed into an outdoor classroom.

The £7,000 project, carried out at St Paulinus RC Primary School as part of a £3m Supergrounds programme funded by the NatWest bank, has been welcomed by teachers, parents, friends and bank staff.

A national survey has found such projects increase pupils' concentration and interest levels.

The Supergrounds programme was developed by NatWest to strengthen the ties between bank staff and their communities. St Paulinus became involved with the scheme through bank worker Catherine Readman, who is a parent at the school.

Mrs Readman said: "I know what a difference a feature like this makes to the lives of the children and I'm really proud that the bank, through Supergrounds, has turned St Paulinus' school's dream into a reality."

Liz Huntley, head teacher at St Paulinus School, said: "Our new outdoor classroom area is fantastic and it really does allow the children to learn while they play."