YOUNGSTERS can now get a taste of the great outdoors while honing their reading skills after their library underwent a total transformation.

The reading area at Kendall Church of England Primary School in Old Heath, Colchester, has been given a woodland makeover to fit in with its status as a forest school.

To officially open the new area, top children's author Kes Gray was invited to the school and even cut a forest-themed ribbon.

Pupils at the school are given the chance to develop confidence and self-esteem with regular hands on experiences outside the classroom as part of the forest school accreditation and headteacher Clare King said she wanted to combine those benefits with an emphasis on reading.

She said: "At Kendall we believe reading is the key to success for all of our children.

"We know if they can read well, children will be able to communicate with a strong voice, speak their mind and make informed choices.

"Our new school library will play a significant part in helping us to teach our children to read and to show them reading is a pleasurable activity.

"Children will find books that they enjoy here and by giving them access to these books, and letting them read them, we know they will become literate youngsters with a bright and wonderful future."

Pupils said they found the new area a good place to learn in a relaxing environment.

David Adjei, who is in Year Six, said: "Our library is peaceful and a place where you can read undisturbed.

"When you read books you get new ideas, get lost in wonderful stories and can gather information in your mind all at the same time."

Rasi Sunuwar, who is also in Year Six, said:" Reading is a useful skill in our lives.

"It is vital to read because it is a life skill and can make you feel relaxed and calm.

"Our library is unique, it is a place to enjoy reading and a place to feel happy about."