Children at a Clayhall primary school will be having a lot more fun at playtime after a new playground with a paddling pool, sand pit and Hobbit-style tunnels opened on Monday.

Ilford Recorder: Shaahid and Wiktoria in the new playground.Shaahid and Wiktoria in the new playground. (Image: Archant)

The new play area for three to five-year-olds at Glade Primary School, in Atherton Road, includes a “road” for children’s bicycles over bridges, around roundabouts and through tunnels, all made of natural materials.

Pupils can go under grassy hillocks and, when it gets warmer, splash in an innovative paddling pool with cascading water.

Children had their first chance to try out the new toys at the official opening on Monday and parents who helped clean equipment and get the playground ready were thanked by headteacher Angela Walsh.

Early years co-ordinator Vicky Porter said: “The children love it. It had been the same for 15 years, apart from a new climbing frame last year, and we really wanted to expand it. It will make a big difference.”