A NEW forest school has been officially opened at an Oldbury academy following a community fundraising drive.

Bristnall Hall Academy’s forest school was created using a town grant of £2,000 from Sandwell Council and donations from local companies and the George and Thomas Henry Salter Trust.

The garden area is for all students and will particularly benefit those with special educational needs and disabilities and will also be available for the local community to use.

It was officially opened by Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy Council leader and Oldbury town lead Cllr Suzanne Hartwell, while the ceremony was also attended by Bristnall ward councillors Carol Goult and Rajbir Singh.

Vince Green, principal at Bristnall Hall Academy, said: “The development of this facility has been a brilliant community and academy effort.

“A huge thank you to Sandwell Council, local companies, the George and Thomas Henry Salter Trust, governors, students and staff, past and present, for all they have done in terms of funding and hard work.

“It will be great to see members of our community, including our amazing students, using this forest school area.”

Cllr Khatun, who was impressed with the new forest school, added: “It's great our town grants can help fund projects like these.

“It will really benefit the students at Bristnall Hall Academy and the wider community.”