CHILDREN from Ivy Lane Primary School in Chippenham have been put through their paces by wounded, injured and sick war veterans and serving personnel during a visit to a Help for Heroes Recovery Centre.

Pupils spent the day at recovery centre at Tedworth House, in Tidworth, earlier this month as part of their outdoor woodland curriculum.

As well as series of sporting activities in the sports hall, the 50 pupils also spent time in the 20-acre woodland enjoying pond dipping and a treasure hunt.

Tedworth House is one of four recovery centres run by military charity Help for Heroes, which gives direct and practical support to current and former members of the Armed Forces who are wounded, injured and sick.

Year three pupil, Alannah, said: “Tedworth House was brilliant. We went pond dipping and I found heaps of snail eggs. We also made butterfly and dragonfly sculptures out of bendy wire. In the Sports Hall we did skipping, bowling, balancing, bouncing and basketball. Finally we took part in a treasure hunt and found Hero Bear.”

Giles Woodhouse, centre manager at Tedworth House, said it was a privilege to host the school for the day.

He said: "It was wonderful to see how much the children from Ivy Lane enjoyed spending time at Tedworth House whilst at the same time learning more about the sacrifices of our Armed Forces personnel and their recovery challenges.

“Outdoor education is becoming a firm favourite as part of the recovery at Tedworth House and allows the wounded, injured and sick to spend time outdoors, developing their personal, social and technical skills.

“We are so fortunate to have the wonderful woodland facility on site and I am pleased with how well it is being utilised for vital recovery activities, as well as for community engagement initiatives such as the one with Ivy Lane."

Tedworth House runs established horticultural and woodland courses for wounded veterans and serving personnel as part of its recovery programme and is looking to support outdoor vocational opportunities in the future for veterans seeking a new career.

Chris Cannings, Ivy Lane head teacher, said: “The staff and residents of Tedworth House were amazing hosts and ensured the children had a very enjoyable day. It was such a success, that I have had a stream of parents and children coming to say thank you for such a unique and fantastic experience."

Help for Heroes actively encourages young children to get involved with fundraising, to find out more, go to www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-involved/hero-kids/