With sunnier weather on its way, Jodie Hopkins-Duckhouse (20), a College of West Anglia apprentice at Dersingham VA Primary School, is set to see her creation of a 200-tyre race track for nursery students put to good use. The garden to the side of the preschool on Saxon Way was looking tired and rundown. Jodie acted above and beyond her apprenticeship by coming up with the idea of creating the track for nursery children to use and with the help of her father who works at a local garage, her vision became a reality. With some additional help from her friends who are builders, she completed the project in a matter of weeks. Tyres were donated from AJD Auto Repairs in Dersingham, the garage where her father works. Neil Kimber, branch manager at Ridgeons in Dersingham also donated his time, bringing lorry loads in throughout the week, and on weekends Jodie’s family and friends would come in and help with the project. The track is surrounded with sensory flower beds - made up of shrubs donated by local nurseries - and sand pits (one bark, one sand and one weather pit which changes according to the seasons). Jodie said: “It was definitely worth the backache and great to see so many people willing to help out and donate materials for the project. The children love it out here now and that makes it all worthwhile to me.” Jane Kendal, early years at Dersingham VA Primary, said: “Jodie is a real asset to the setting and has worked above and beyond to create an amazing outdoor area where the children can really extend their gross motor skills. Her enthusiasm and energy for the project ensured the whole community became involved in supporting her to realise her vision.” Students from the latest National Citizen Service wave at the College of West Anglia have been adding to Jodie’s handiwork. They have helped in the gardens over the last couple of weeks; painting and decorating, fixing the pathways, and the group have even built a chicken coop to encourage children’s’ interaction with the animals.