PUPILS at a special school in Haslingden got on their new bikes to celebrate the opening of their £180,000 sensory learning garden.

The garden, at Tor View School, will improve the learning experience children receive at the Clod Lane site.

To mark the opening of the new garden project - called Access for All - there was bike riding, a picnic and an exploration of the new landscape.

Obsolete playing fields were drained and redeveloped into a wildlife pond with a dipping platform, a cycle/wheelchair route, a new sports area, and the basketball court was also re-surfaced.

Specially designed bikes designed for disabled children and adults, costing over £20,000, were also bought for the pupils to enjoy.

The project, which has taken several years to achieve, came about after staff decided to make the best of the grounds as a learning and play resource.

It was set up with help from environmental group Groundwork Rossendale and Lancashire Children's Fund.

Tor View caters for children aged between four and 19 who have a range of physical, sensory and learning difficulties.