Mud pies, mud jelly and smiling muddy faces were the order of the day at Crudwell Pre-School when a new mud kitchen was opened.

The new outdoor play facilities, paid for through a grant of £475 from Wiltshire Council, offers youngsters a space to play and get mucky with ‘child-safe’ sterilised mud and a variety of rubber kitchen utensils.

Jo Edwards, chair of the pre-school, said that she was delighted with the new facilities for the youngsters.

She said: “I really think it will enhance our outside play area that we have already.

“It’s just good messy play for the children.

“Our ethos is to learn through play so it’s going to be a controlled exercise for children in small groups to learn and have fun.”

The equipment was provided by Muddy Faces, outdoor children’s play sales company.