AN interactive play area has been officially opened in an Alresford nursery.

On Friday (July 4) children and parents of Patchwork Day Nursery & Pre-School, based at Perins School, celebrated the launch of the new garden at a farmyard garden party, including a surprise visit from Peppa Pig.

It now features a soil kitchen, extended sand pit, raised planters, stepping stones and a paved area for water play.

Nicola Baxter, manager, said: “We have been looking to develop the nursery garden since the opening of our Pre-School in 2011 where the children enjoy the garden so much. The landscaping of our nursery garden brings this up to the same standard and creates a fantastic space for the little ones to play.”

Perins’ Event Coordinator, Jamie Lawrence, said: “It’s lovely to see the children having such a good time and exploring the new garden features.”

Last July the nursery celebrated its 20th birthday, holding a reunion party for children who had attended the nursery over the years as well as their parents and ex-staff. It was such a success that the staff decided to make it an annual event.