A NEW chapter begins at a Northwich primary school, as pupils now have a special place to sit and read a book outdoors thanks to the generosity of the community.

Antrobus St Mark’s CE Primary School has installed a new reading garden, complete with a fully-furnished reading shed, raised planters, picnic benches, parasols and a pergola.

It’s part of the school’s hope of promoting a love of reading.

Rhian Perry, deputy headteacher, said: “None of this would have been possible without the help of our fabulous PTA.

Northwich Guardian: Antrobus St Mark’s CE Primary SchoolAntrobus St Mark’s CE Primary School

“A special thank you to Stephen Hankey who carried out all of the material sourcing and constructed the new area.

“Rowswood Timber, Marbury Landscape Supplies and Dutton Builders Merchants all provided us with a discounted rate for materials, making it possible to complete the project to the standard we have achieved.

“Thank you to everyone in Antrobus village who donated both financial support and benches that we have been able to utilise in the new area, and also Antrobus Community Kitchen Garden for the generous plant donation for our new raised beds.

Northwich Guardian: Antrobus St Mark’s CE Primary SchoolAntrobus St Mark’s CE Primary School

“Finally, a special thank you to all pupils and parents for supporting our fundraising events.

“Every time you buy a disco ticket, take part in Elf Dash, movie nights, sponsored walks and sports day barbecues, you are helping to raise money to make it possible for the children’s education to be enhanced through developing fantastic new areas like this.

“We are very proud of this fantastic new addition to our school grounds, and it really was a whole community project to make it possible.

“As staff, it is lovely to see children outside at lunchtime accessing the area and reading on the beanbags with their friends, watering the flowers and sitting under the pergola.”