A SCHOOL near Whitchurch has had its nursery overhauled thanks to a generous donation.
Prees CE Primary School and Nursery School has undergone a major transformation thanks to a donation by village stalwart Ray Grocott through his family's charitable trust.
The funding provided by The Grocott Family Charitable Trust has facilitated a complete overhaul of the nursery's outside play area which includes a new all-weather surface permitting children to enjoy outdoors play throughout the year.
Inside, the nursery has benefitted from new wooden tables and chairs, a water activity table and a range of play equipment.
Ray visited the school to view the enhanced facility and to meet some of the young children who attend the nursery.
"We are so lucky to have such a brilliant school in the centre of our village and being so well cared for by Head Teacher, Nicola Brayford and her dedicated team of staff," said Ray.
"The school has a very special place in my heart. It's where I started my education and I am so happy to see it continuing to thrive.
"When I heard that the nursery needed some much-needed funding, I was only too happy to step in to help out.
"It's so lovely to be here today and to see so many children playing outside, even on a dank winter's day.
"I would also like to say a very special thank you to volunteer Phil Hodges, also from the village, who managed the programme of work.
"The work would simply not have happened without his dedication and expertise. He should be very proud of the finished product."
Head Teacher, Nicola Brayford added: "We really can't thank Ray and his family enough for their generosity.
"Thanks to their kindness, our nursery has been completely upgraded and, most significantly, children now have a very special place to play outside which will last for many years to come.
"Our nursery is very popular, and numbers are increasing all the time, so we want to ensure that our facilities are continually upgraded.
"We describe it as 'the window of the school' as it's where many children start their education and the excellent care they receive has a huge influence on them staying with us until the age of eleven.
"We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Ray's philanthropic nature who, over the years, has constantly given back to the village which means so much to him."
Children at the nursery presented Ray and Phil with special thank you cards they had created.
Ray also supported the original set-up of the nursery at the school 20 years ago by financing the building that houses it.
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