A SPECIAL needs school in Rossendale is set to launch a new sensory play area for pupils and the local community.

Following 18 months of work, Tor View School, Clod Lane, Haslingden, is finally putting the finishing touches to the learning facility.

The school has been working with Groundwork Rossendale to provide the multi-functional area under the 'Tor View - Access for All project'.

It will include a wildlife pond, a dipping boardwalk, viewing platform, mosaics, touch posts, an amphitheatre, interlinking paths with wheel chair access and cycle paths and a large play area.

Lancashire County Council plans to supplement the development with tree planting and aquatic planting.

Water features will be made secure with perimeter safety fencing along the waterside pathways.

Teachers at the school, which caters for pupils aged between four and 19 with learning difficulties, hope the sensory facility will provide a wealth of benefits for its pupils.

It is hoped the play area will promote intellectual and physical and challenges that can be structured to suit the needs of people of all abilities.