YOUNGSTERS from South Milford have been donning their hard hats and high-visibility jackets for a series of lessons with a difference.

A group of youngsters and teachers from South Milford Junior School received a special invitation from Linden Homes to see just what goes into building a new housing development, as well as learning about aspects of health and safety on a construction site.

The group of around 30 children, aged between five and six, spent about an hour at the nearby Southfield Park development in the village, watching the machinery in action and chatting about the materials used in the building of the 35 new homes.

A further visit is planned for April when about 24 Year 6 pupils will be fact-finding at the development as part of their studies on keeping safe in the environment – and the potential dangers of roads, railways and building sites.

Kevin Hoyland, production manager for Linden Homes, said: “We have carried out site visits for schoolchildren at a number of our developments in the past and the feedback has always been really positive.

“An on-site visit gives the youngsters the chance to experience something that they may not ordinarily get the chance to do, and for us as a developer it is a great way to continue our commitment to the local community.”

Helen Bryan, the school’s Class 2 teacher, said: “The younger children had a wonderful time and enjoyed this fantastic experience.

“They have already been making model houses in their classroom so it has been great for them to see the professionals do the same but on a much larger scale.

“The Year 6 children will gain first -hand experience from their visit on being aware of all the potential dangers of a construction site and the possible implications of disobeying rules.

“The children and staff would like to say a really big thank you to Linden Homes for allowing us to visit the development.”