An unused sports pavilion has been converted into a new learning space for children at a local school thanks to a building society grant.

The work has been carried out at Sauncey Wood Primary School in Harpenden due in no small part to a £5,000 grant from Harpenden Building Society and fundraising by Friends of the school.

Building Society chief executive, Carl Astley, was invited to officially open the new building which had been painted, decorated and had new carpets laid by a team of parents, teachers and children.

He commented, “Harpenden Building Society is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates. Our Charitable Trust Fund provides support to projects in our local area that provide benefit to children, health and community. We were delighted to support Sauncey Wood Primary School in developing the pavilion to provide an outside learning space and to have observed the classroom in action during a still life art class is truly satisfying.”

He added: “I’m sure that the pupils and staff at the school will enjoy and greatly benefit from using the pavilion over many years to come.”

Sauncy Wood headteacher, Steve Lloyd, said: “It is amazing to see what can happen when the school community can get together. We now have a fantastic new learning space for our children. In the pavilion they will be able to take art lessons, learn about the outdoors, investigate science and build in their technology lessons.

“Having a space like this for our pupils enables them to take their learning outside; it is another way to engage the children in the wonderful world of education. We will also be able to provide a new space for various clubs and our school nurture group.”