Children in Upton have been doing the dishes at a new outdoor kitchen play facility.

Housing and care provider Sanctuary Group has joined forces with contractor Castlemead to install a messy play kitchen and new fencing at Mill View Primary School.

The school has been supported as a direct result of Sanctuary’s £6 million care home development at nearby Upton Dene.

The 74-bed residential and nursing home has been built on empty land near the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Development manager for Sanctuary Group Danielle Wrigley said: “We actively look for opportunities to support the communities in which we are building new homes and are delighted to support Mill View Primary School. We’ve worked closely with our contractor and the Parent Teacher Association at the school to supply this equipment and it is fantastic to see the children making the most of these fun improvements.”

Deputy head teacher at Mill View Primary School Ali Gibbons added: “The new fencing area and kitchen will enhance our learning environment and is an important step in our plans to develop our outdoor provision at Mill View. A big thank you to Sanctuary for their generous grant.”

Chairman of Mill View Primary School PTA Ali Ireland added: “We hope this amazing community gift from Sanctuary will act as a springboard for Mill View PTA to fundraise and co-ordinate the opportunities to enhance more of our outdoor learning and active play provisions.”