CAKE stalls, face painting and an evening disco helped staff and pupils at Pillowell Primary School celebrate the opening of its new playgroup.

Parents also attended while Forest MP Mark Harper was invited to officially open the new playgroup by ringing the school bell.

The school hall was packed with entertainment on Friday afternoon as children and parents welcomed the much-needed addition, which coincides with ongoing work to the new multi-functional room.

The school replaced the old cookery room with a new school kitchen last September.

Assistant headteacher, Tracey Bees said: “This last six months or so has seen some much-needed improvements to our school. Not only have we recently transformed the old cookery room into a kitchen but opened a new playgroup and await the completion of a new multi-functional room which will include computers.”

The new playgroup has been moved from one side of the school to the other and has specially-adapted facilities for the children including toilets.

Kelly Bishop, lead early years practitioner, said: “The new playgroup is not only modern but has facilities to suit the children, whereas before the playgroup was in the same area as the older children.

“It is also more parent-friendly as we are now holding a parent and toddler group on Thursday mornings from 9am to 11am. We are so happy with work and it’s a celebration for the entire school.”

Mr Harper added: “I have visited the school many times over the years and am very impressed with how far it has come and the improvements they have made. I’ve looked at the ICT suite in progress which, no doubt, will be a great facility for the children to use.”