CHILDREN of Wickham Church of England Primary School welcomed a special guest to their school recently.

The Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, was at the school on Monday, July 22, to open their new outdoor classroom.

Designed by craftsmen from Hampshire’s Outdoor Places, the bespoke gazebo is intended as “a building to inspire young botanists, environmentalists and conservationists.”

Headteacher Maria Ackland said: "Our new Outdoor Classroom will enhance our children's learning and enjoyment through first-hand experiences, making their learning exciting and memorable."

The classroom has been partially sponsored by Peptide Protein Research Ltd, chemists with a laboratory in Bishop’s Waltham and an office in Fareham.