It was all smiles in Penally recently as the ribbon was cut on a brand new era of fun and learning at Penally VC Primary School, as the new playground and garden area was unveiled to the pupils and the community as a whole. Joining the pupils at the school was NatWest's Nigel Firth who played an important role in developing a school grounds area designed for the most part by the children of the school themselves. The celebration to officially open the garden and playground marked the completion of a £4,000 project as part of the £3 million Supergrounds programme. Supergrounds was launched in September 2004 as a programme to improve school grounds, funded by NatWest and managed by Learning through Landscapes in partnership with Groundwork UK, to make a lasting difference to children's learning environments. Supergrounds was developed by NatWest to strengthen the ties between bank staff and their communities, with their staff nominating schools that they are involved with. Penally VC Primary School became involved with the scheme through Nigel Firth from NatWest in Tenby, who is a governor at the school. He said: "As a governor I know what a difference a playground area like this makes to the lives of the children and I'm really proud that the bank, through Supergrounds, has turned Penally School's dream into a reality. "Thankfully, the improvements are now complete, ensuring that we are left with a legacy for future generations of pupils." Graham Doney, acting headteacher at the school, said: "The whole external playground area has been transformed. The improvements will not only make playtimes more enjoyable and interesting, but will enable pupils to use the areas developed as a new external learning environment. "Specific areas of the curriculum can now be delivered using this new garden and play area as a learning and teaching resource. "We are indeed indebted to NatWest and especially to Nigel Firth. Without his initial interest and recommendation, and of course subsequent support from Supergrounds and 'Learning Through Landscapes', we would have struggled to achieve our overall aims." The afternoon was designated an 'open afternoon'. The official opening of the garden and playground area was overseen by Clr. Mrs. Carol Cavill, chair of governors, who cut the tape. Also in attendance was fellow councillor, Islwyn Howells, cabinet member for children and Welsh. Other visitors and guests were the Rev. Michael John, who blessed the garden; Howard Moffatt and Ian Dennis from 'Groundwork UK', who monitored and assessed the project (Howard presented the school with a framed picture depicting various stages of the scheme); Lydstep Nurseries, who provided expert advice and help with the garden area and plants - special thanks to Rowland, Paul and Sue; AC Aggregates, of Narberth, who gave support and advice in selecting the best stones. Special thanks are extended to various parents and members of the local Penally community. The school would like to thank particularly Derek Bibby and his wife Pauline; Singleton Taylor and her husband Pete and father, Cyril; Denise, Sandra and Mark; Jo and Basil; and Anne Davidson. After the official opening, the large gathering was entertained with song and dance from the pupils, followed by refreshments of strawberry cream teas!