Teddy bears came out to play as a city school unveiled its new look swimming pool area.

Eaton Primary School yesterday held a bear-themed fete and also took the occasion to celebrate the completion of the school's swimming pool project and thank everybody who had been involved.

The project, which included redecorating the entrance hall, toilets and changing rooms, involved the help of more than 50 volunteers, more than 400 volunteer hours, and support from local businesses.

Jenny Howe, a member of the school's PTA and one of the people who led the project, said: 'We thought it would be a great day to celebrate everybody's efforts.

'It really was a whole team effort and we wanted to say to everyone, 'this is what we have achieved and we could not have done it without you.'

For the final part of the project schoolchildren worked with Norwich University College of the Arts students to create sea creatures to decorate the area, and yesterday their artwork was revealed in pride of place at the pool area's official opening.

'The children did a great job,' said Miss Howe.

'We hope the finished project will create a new level of excitement to swimming lessons for the children.'

At the official opening those involved with the project were given a certificate of appreciation for their efforts, and parent Donna Newby was presented with a bunch of flowers for her work as the creative brains behind the project.

Miss Howe said the school also wanted to thank the businesses that had offered help including B&Q, Barclays and Hussey Knights.

The bear-themed fete which ran alongside the pool celebrations was attended by special guests Woody Bear from Pleasurewood Hills theme park and Bearemy from Build-a-Bear.

The school pupils has been involved in creating bear-inspired activities, and among the stalls to entertain people were bear hoopla, name the bear and guess the number of Gummi Bears in a jar.

There was also a bear bouncy castle and a story tent where children could hear stories about bears.

Proceeds from the fete are going towards the school's next project which is to create an outdoor nature classroom for the children.

• Is your community involved in a special project? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk