THE dream of an 'outdoor classroom' the whole community can enjoy has come true at Coastlands School, thanks to years of hard work.

Pupils, staff and local supporters recently unveiled the school's new wooden pavilion, which will be used to enable outdoor learning and events for the school and the wider community, including local clubs and groups.

The culmination of much planning and fundraising, the first financial boost came when a series of creative posters on sustainability by pupils earned the school £5,000 in The Guardian newspaper's Live Better Schools competition.

In July 2015 the school scooped £2,500 in WWF’s Green Ambassador of the Year 2015 competition.

The school received the runners-up prize for their eco projects, which included a travel challenge, work in local woodland Shelia’s Peace, and their school garden work.

The final big piece of funding came from South Hook LNG’s Community Fund in December 2015, following a successful application for £3,000 that was submitted by the school’s parent teacher association (PTA).

Helped by the hard work of parents, staff and the local community, the pavilion is now in situ in the school grounds opposite the school pond. The final touches have been provided by Dyfed Training Group, who have donated paving slabs and gravel to surround the new structure and aid all-weather access.

Chairman of the PTA Sue Burton said: “This project really has been a team effort with many people involved in developing and pushing forward the dream.

"We have been really fortunate with all the funding we have received; it makes a huge difference to a small school.

"To see the culmination of effort and funds result in this beautiful facility is marvellous."

"This outdoor classroom will add to our outdoor learning environment and it won't be long before the children and our community partners are getting the best use out of it," said headteacher Mr Evans.