RECYCLED materials from the new M&S Cheshire Oaks has been used to transform a play area at Stanlaw Abbey Children’s Centre.

Members of the management team from the store, volunteers from construction company Simons Group, and a team from M&S distribution partner Norbert-Dentressangle, provided children using the centre with new benches and play equipment made from surplus sections of the Glulam timber beams used in the construction of the flagship store.

Glue-laminated timber, or Glulam, has been used instead of steel in the whole of the roof and first floor.

The environmentally-friendly material is as strong as steel but requires only a fraction of the carbon to produce.

It has been used to create five new benches and four balance beams made on-site at M&S Cheshire Oaks by staff from Simons.

The team have also tidied up flower beds by redressing them with decorative bark and weeding.

Louise Benson, store liaison manager at M&S Cheshire Oaks, said: “We’re thrilled to have provided the new features for the children at Stanlaw Abbey.

“It was our intention that no waste should go to landfill as a result of the construction of our new store and it is fantastic to work in partnership with Simons to be able to recycle some of the building materials in this way.”

Ed Dixon, environmental champion at Simons, said: “We challenged the site operatives to test their creativity by making the new benches and play equipment.

“They did a fantastic job and we hope that the children enjoy their play area for years to come.”

Ann Clay, early years manager at Stanlaw Abbey, said: “We really appreciate the continued support we have received from Simons and Marks & Spencer in helping to improve the environment, the outdoor play area and grounds here at the children’s centre.”