AN outdoor classroom opened at Chipping Ongar Primary School to cheers from pupils and parents.
The open sided gazebo-style building has desks inside for children and offers a functional classroom as well as a shelter for children at lunch and break time.
The building, which opened on Friday, was funded by the Chipping Ongar Primary School Association (COPSA).
Heidi Wood, the chairman of COPSA, said: "This classroom has been planned for a long time.
"We have raised thousands of pounds over the years and it's great to see it finally open.
The charity was helped with fundraising by staff from the Ongar branch of Sainsbury's.
Head teacher Bridgett Hill told the Gazette: "We have been waiting for this for a long time.
"It will be really good for our pupils and adds an excellent facility for teaching about nature and the environment.
"This isn't just going to be a good weather classroom, we have installed an all-weather path so we can go outside whatever the weather."
"We are very thankful to everyone who helped raise money over the years as we wouldn't be able to do it without them."
