YOUNGSTERS at Dulverton Children's Centre can play outside all year round thanks to a £20,000 investment that has turned a virtually unusable grassy area into a garden retreat.

Government grant aid has allowed the centre to lay artificial grass, extend a play area, install a canopy and slide and create garden beds on a site that is shared with the nearby first school nursery.

Around 40 youngsters aged from birth to five will be able to enjoy the new facility on a regular basis.

And they and their parents and other friends and special guests celebrated the completion of the new garden with a party and cream tea event, including a rhyme-time challenge, last Thursday.

The official unveiling was carried out by local Somerset county councillor Frances Nicholson.

Centre child care manager Anna Beer said: "It's fantastic, really lovely and the official opening was great - everyone enjoyed themselves."

Pictured at the opening, from left, centre manager Rob Odams, Nursery supervisor Bridget Powell, Anna Beer, centre teacher Judi Hayes and Cllr Frances Nicholson.

Photo: Steve Guscott