VOLUNTEERS have given up their time to help revamp a play area for reception children at a Worcester school.

Staff from the Co-op in Ombersley Road spent two days digging out a sand pit and gravel pit and planting a sensory garden for youngsters from Northwick Manor Primary School.

It is hoped the improvements to the outdoor area will engage the youngsters in their learning, especially in encouraging boys with writing.

Sam Atkinson, one of the Co-op volunteers, said: "At the Co-op we pride ourselves on helping the community.

"Our new manager asked for volunteers and I said I'd be willing to help.

"We discussed what the school would like and there's about five or six members of staff and family and friends."

Kerry Warwick, the school's early years foundation stage coordinator, said: "We are trying to develop our outside area to support physical development and understanding the world which is one of our curriculum areas as well as engaging boys mostly.

"We are working to move a lot of our planning outside.

"We'll have writing dens and link to topics like Princesses and Knights.

"We will have more building equipment for castles and things like that and it will make it a bit more free flowing."

The children will also fundraise for the outdoor improvements at their summer fair by selling some of their artwork to visitors.