ADVENTURE play areas have taken on a whole new meaning at Knights Templar First School in Watchet.
Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes caused great excitement among the youngest pupils when he visited to open their new playroom.
Built at a cost of £45,000, the playroom meets suggestions made by Ofsted inspectors that the children would benefit from more all-weather play space.
It is equipped with a range of challenging and colourful toys such as a caterpillar tunnel, an oasis and a ride-on tractor donated by Bampton firm Kings Machinery.
As Sir Ranulph cut the tape to declare the playroom open, some of the children sang a song composed by teacher Liz Foster especially for the occasion.
And the first to venture in to the new room were a rather young polar explorer, penguins, a seal, a husky dog and a polar bear.
Chairman of governors Penny Gibbons said: "We are very grateful to all those who have carried this exciting project through so successfully.
"The children are so excited about the new room, which will do a great deal to enrich their learning through play."
The PTFA presented a cheque for £8,000 on the day of the opening and Mrs Gibbons also singled out Watchet Methodist minister the Rev Mike Parsons and a local family charity as being among the "generous sponsors" who made the playroom happen.
Pictured are Sir Ranulph, on the left, and Mr Parsons with some of the children.
Photo: Steve Guscott.