Energetic youngsters were today celebrating after climbing to the top of the school playing field league.

Children at Cedar Hall special school in Hart Road, Thundersley, lent a helping hand during the playground's planning stage by hand-picking their favourite design out of three options put forward by architects.

Now the play facilities have been named as the best in the county by the Essex Playing Fields and Playgrounds Association.

Deputy headteacher Tania Perry said: "We are very pleased with the award. All the pupils were involved in the development of the grounds.

" It has made a really big difference to playtimes. We are a special school and some of the children find it difficult to play together, but things have really improved.

"Our staff are trained to play games with the children involving the new equipment and they are really enjoying it. The environment really does make a difference for the youngsters."

The 105-pupil school is also working on a new reading garden where youngsters can avoid the hustle and bustle and sit down among the lavender and shrubs and read a comic or book.

We're the best - Cedar Hall pupils show off their award winning playground

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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