A STATE-of-the-art new outdoor play space has opened at a Keighley school.

The facility – for nursery and reception children at Keighley St Andrew’s Church of England Primary – includes a bicycle track, performance and reading stage, giant sand play area with pulleys and a magnetic water area.

There are different zones for the children to use.

Headteacher, Rachel Whitham, said the school was "extremely pleased" with the new provision.

"The project cost more £40,000 and now our children have a space in which they can flourish," she said.

"We planned the area to be attractive and exciting for the children whilst ensuring that the space and features support their physical, personal and social development and independence.

"We’re really proud of the space."

The official opening was performed by Keighley Cougars star and Italian international, Brenden Santi, who described the facility as "awesome".

He added: "I wish I had something like this when I was at school. It’s so important for the children to have an area like this to develop and play."

As part of the Cougars Foundation, Brenden and other players have also visited the school to coach year-five pupils.

The foundation is currently delivering six-week coaching programmes to pupils in 12 primary schools.

And on Friday, December 10, all the schools will compete in a 'world cup tournament' at Cougar Park. Each school will represent a different country.

Foundation manager, Joe O’Keeffe, praised the new facility at Keighley St Andrew's.

He added: "We were delighted to receive an invitation to open this fantastic resource.

"It will provide valuable outdoor activities for years to come.

"We are looking forward to welcoming Keighley St Andrew’s and all the other schools to Cougar Park on December 10. For many children it will be the first time they've visited the stadium."

Mrs Whitham added: "The children have really enjoyed learning from the Cougars players this term.

"They loved working as a year group community to learn new skills and play as a team and are really excited to be taking part in the tournament.

"One of our pupils, Ibrahim, summed it up when he said 'I didn't think I would like playing rugby, now I love it'."

All parents of children aged between two and four are invited to an open afternoon at the school this Thursday (December 2), between 3.15pm and 4.15pm. There will be free books and a raffle.