A primary school is set to transform a disused area into a space where pupils can show off their crafty talents.

Holtspur School and Pre-School’s Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) received a £2,000 donation from the Shanly Foundation, which will help turn the overgrown area behind the school’s new classroom into an “area for creative outlet”.

It will allow the gardening and art clubs to showcase their work, and will also be a space for learning new skills and exploring creativity.

A committee has been set up to plan what the space needs, how it should be managed and the best way to blend gardening with the arts to create an eye-catching new facility.

PTA member Maxine Ashman said: “We still need a further £5,000 to buy and create the vegetable garden as we need to build planters, benches, work areas, decomposition areas as well as buying plants and tools.

“As a school we are extremely community focused and arrange many fundraising events.

“We really hope this project will not only benefit the children but also the elderly community, allowing them to visit us, help in the garden and then enjoy the fruits of our labour at an annual tea party and even harvest baskets.”

Tamra Booth, trustee of the Shanly Foundation, said: “New educational ventures within local schools is something that we love to support. 

“Teaching young people about the importance of using fresh food in their cooking and contributing to the community is crucial to their development as members of society.  

“We hope the donation will help the PTA build an exciting area for the pupils to grow their creativity and learn new skills.”