MAYOR of Trowbridge Glyn Bridges joined pupils at Walwayne Court Primary School to celebrate the official opening of their new living roof outdoor classroom today (March 13).

The outdoor class room, which has been called The Sky Garden after the name was suggested by pupils Max and Sam Griffin, was funded thanks to a grant from the National Lottery.

Pupils on the school’s Eco Council, which regularly meets to discuss initiatives to encourage everyone to become ‘greener’, decided to go for a green roof as it offers a number of environmental benefits.

Headteacher Bev Kenyon said: “We have been incredibly lucky to receive a grant from the National Lottery to build an outdoor wooden structure with a living roof.

“Our Eco Council decided to go for a green roof as they offer a lot of environmental benefits. Following a heavy downpour a green rood will retain more water than an ordinary roof, allowing more rain to remain in the natural water cycle.

“The roof is also covered in a soft layer of sedum and this had the affect of absorbing sound, as opposed to conventional roofs which can reflect it. It will also help to provide natural habitats for wildlife.

“It looks great and will blend easily in to our school environment. It will be used by families and children before and after school, as well as during holidays and at the weekend.”