Youngsters at a Downham Market nursery have had their first chance to get to grips with the pre-school's new play area.

There were smiling faces at Clackclose Community Primary School Nursery as children got the chance to try out their new slide, sand pit and see their classroom for the first time.

The nursery has always been part of the school, but was previously located on a separate site on the nearby Snape Lane.

Nursery teacher Jill Sekatawa,who had previously taught in the primary school, said it was good to be back on the site.

'It is nice to be part of it,' she said. 'It is a better step between home and school being here. The children can see the older children and so they won't be as scared when they go to the school.

'We have the library just through the door and we can use the field without having to cross a road.

'The new facilities are brilliant – the children can really access learning all year round.'

The new classroom includes an interactive board, kitchen facilities as well as a writing area and computer area.

The outside play area is has a soft floor and a covered area to allow children to use it whatever the weather.

Along with a number of activities there is a shop to help teach the children about money and a garden area in which children and their parents will be able to grow various plants.

Mrs Sekatawa, who has worked at the nursery for four years, said: 'This has all been done over the summer holidays. Before, the classroom was used for meetings and the playground was just concrete.

'The idea is to get the children learning independently. Normally in the first few days you get a few tears, but we haven't had that really.

'Any children who are a bit clingy to mum see there are so many things to do and they just want to have a go at everything.

'They seem to be really enjoying it. They are all so good with the ICT it's quite scary.'

The nursery, which is for three-year-olds, has a capacity of 26 children and already has 20 on its books.