THE Bishop of Southampton, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, has opened a new outdoor play area at one of Hampshire's oldest schools - even though education bosses are due to shut it down within two years.

An area of the playground at Ampfield Primary School has been cordoned off with multi-coloured wooden fencing for the youngest pupils aged four to seven to use.

Head teacher Beverly Smith said work on the new early years play area began in July.

She said the money came from the school's own funds in response to a requirement in the last Ofsted report.

"It's a fantastic area with tricycles and different types of apparatus. The children can also do creative work outside such as painting and drawing."

Hampshire County Council's education supremo Don Allen decided last month to close the school despite a campaign by parents and teachers.