THE children of Scallywags pre-school in Trinity have been given a new space in which to play.

The pupils now have the use of a neighbouring field which was once occupied by horses belonging to the previous rector.

It has been given over for the parish’s use by the present rector, the Rev Geoff Houghton.

Pre-school manager Nicky Maindonald said: ‘We were delighted when the rector agreed to let us use the field.

The children love it, and now they have a huge outdoor space to romp in.

‘Play, especially physical play, is of fundamental importance for young children’s health and well-being, their relationships, their development and their learning.

While we already have outdoor areas for the children to play in with their bikes, and a playground, this new and partly wild environment is wonderful for the children.

I remember running in fields as a child, but such opportunities nowadays are hard to come by.’ The field has been a big hit with the children.

Jolyon Durnford-Lloyd, a pupil at Scallywags, said: ‘I like to roll in the grass and watch the beetles.’