CHILDREN at a special educational needs school celebrated the opening of a brand new adventure playground with the help of a very special guest.

Paralympic gold medal rower, Laurence Whiteley, cut the ribbon at Brookfields Special School in Tilehurst on Monday afternoon.

The adventure playground was the vision of former head teacher, Jane Headland, who retired in January after 25 years of service to the school.

Acting head teacher, Brandon Mills, said: "Jane was instrumental in identifying that there was a need for this learning area and as a result of her commitment we have been able to see it through.

"From our perspective it is important that all of our children have an environment where they can learn and their physical development is equally as important as the social benefits that the new playground will bring.

"The children have been very excited to meet Laurence and it is wonderful to have such an inspirational figure with us.

"They have been able to have really open discussions with him about his condition and he gives them somebody to look up and aspire to."

Brookfields received £10,000 Lottery funding to support their campaign for a new outdoor learning area, with a further £75,000 of the school's funds being put towards the project.

Laurence, who suffered from bone cancer in his leg more than a decade ago, said he was happy to see children enjoy the new playground and praised the staff for their commitment to helping pupils as young as two with learning difficulties.

He added: "You could see straight when the children were playing on it how much it means to them to have access to such quality facilities.

"We see the elite level help of the Lottery all of the time, but today really brings home the grass roots level of support that they offer.

"You can also tell that the staff at this school really care about inspiring the children and making the school as inclusive as possible."