The long-awaited new outdoor garden has officially opened at Bungay Primary School, after figures across the town came together to support the project.

The early years garden, designed for the school's nursery and two reception classes, opened at a special ceremony on March 12, following a significant fundraising drive led in partnership with the Friends of Bungay Primary School

The new play space includes a muddy-play area (Image: Victoria Humphrey)

Speaking at the event, Amy Chambers, head of school, said: "They say it takes a village to raise a child, but if you look around I think you'll find it takes a town to build a garden.

"A garden like this requires more than just money. This space means so much to our children, what everyone and all the community has done is very overwhelming."

For years the previous garden had been in need of renovation and the remaining play equipment was about to be condemned.

Children can enjoy a new reading area (Image: Victoria Humphrey)

Now, almost 50 children aged three to five can enjoy a transformed space complete with new wooden play equipment, fresh turf, and a reading area.

Hayley Payne, chair of governors at the school, said: "We approached lots of local organisations and were so overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness offered by so many.

"It really was a true example of the whole community coming together to support the children of the town."

The play area will be enjoyed by the schools two reception and nursery class (Image: Victoria Humphrey)

A blue strip of turf running through the garden represents the River Waveney, allowing children to celebrate the local area through play.

As well as donations, several local tradespeople stepped up to help build the garden.

Craig Andrews, owner and skilled landscaper at Willow Tree Landscape and Design, said: "So we did all the paving you see here, we dug it all up and levelled it all out.

Craig Andrews (middle) with his team Harvey Hughes and Jack Phillips worked on the new area (Image: Victoria Humphrey)

"It was quite a struggle to work out how we were going to dismantle and take the old climbing frame out, but we managed eventually."

The garden will now play a central role in early years learning shaped by the generosity of the Bungay community.

A community thank you

Bungay Primary School would like to offer thanks to those who made the new garden possible.

Children and their parents were invited to explore the new area in a special launch event (Image: Victoria Humphrey)

Financial donations were received from Bungay Medical Centre CIO, Bungay United, councillors Anthony Speca, Toby Hammond, and Judy Cloke, the Bungay Charity Cup, David Sprake (The Tinsley Estate), Bungay Rotary Club, Bungay Area Lions, Bungay Town Council, Clays Ltd, and a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

The school also thanked Jewson in Lowestoft, Travis Perkins in Beccles, and Silverton Builders Merchants in Great Yarmouth for donating materials.

Appreciation also went to tradespeople who provided hands-on help: Willow Tree Landscape and Design, Chris Payne of CA Payne Property Maintenance, and Mathew Hall of MMR Roofing, who donated time and expertise.

© Eastern Daily Press