A WINCHESTER primary school has said a special thank you to Sparsholt College for improving its grounds.

Sparsholt students spent 10 weeks on site in spring, learning woodland skills by clearing trees, thinning bushes and creating a wood chip path.

They were invited back to the school recently to plant a commemorative apple tree.

Pupils presented the students with thank-you cards while course leader Phil Hruza was given a new box of tools for the college.

Mr Hruza said: “It was lovely to see the kids and we are all really blown away by the cards. It makes the work more personal. The students learnt a lot from being here and the present of the tools will make a huge difference to us. It’s lovely to come back and nice to hear they have been making the most of the outdoors.”

Since the work was completed, 15 fruit trees have been planted and the area has been used by the school cross country running club.

In future it will be used for barbecues, nature trails and even teddy bear picnics for Kings Worthy Preschool.

School site manager Chris Carr said: “The potential for this area is huge. These guys have worked so hard and it’s not something we would have been able to do otherwise.

“It will make a huge difference especially with the number of children coming to the school increasing and having this space during the building work will be fantastic, somewhere to go for peace and quiet.”

Further projects are planned at the school including work on the pond and sports pitch.