YOUNGSTERS starting school at Tregoze Primary will think Christmas has come early.

The Grange Park school has just opened a play area for its reception class children.

Featuring flower beds, a soft bark surface, wobble boards and stepping stones, the area was formally opened by the May King and Queen, James Lewis and Katrina Taylor.

Boys in the reception class dressed up as Morris dancers with the girls in flowery dresses and the children held a spring assembly in front of their parents to celebrate the opening of the play area.

Senior teacher, Julia Harle, said: "This is really good news and very exciting because it is known that play extends children's learning.

"They learn a lot about language, science and movement through play.

"And most of all, it's a lot of fun."