Halsall St Cuthbert’s CE Primary School has won the Lancashire Village Schools Best Kept School and Grounds Competition for 2016.

Over the past few years, it's invested substantial funds to further improve the environment for the children.

It has a large, newly fenced school field, newly resurfaced playground with fresh markings, a fabulous timber Activity Trail and Climbing Wall, a faith garden, wooden shelters, an outdoor classroom, a fruit and vegetable garden with greenhouse, large car park and an adjacent woodland Conservation Area complete with picnic benches and wildlife habitats.

There is also new signage, bright refuse bins, a beautiful shrub garden and numerous hanging baskets, flower barrels/troughs.

The school premises are wonderfully well-maintained by our groundsman and gardener Mr Simon Bounds and his team and caretaker Mrs Yvonne Woods; it also benefits from committed group of parents who like to help out, the Halsall Community Group, the PTFA, the staff and the children, all who regularly carry out litter-picking duties and keep the buildings and school grounds in good shape.

Head Teacher Doug Scholes told QLocal yesterday afternoon: ”This is absolutely fabulous.

"We are so pleased that everyone’s hard work has been recognised and we are extremely proud to have won.

"To be judged 1st out of 73 school entries is a big achievement. Lots of people have worked so hard to create such a brilliant environment where the children can learn and play and it’s well merited.

"Well done!”