Burnham Market school unveils new £10k play area project

New play equipment costing £10,000 was officially opened at Burnham Market Primary School yesterday, following a two-year fund-raising campaign by FOBS - the Friends of Burnham Market School.

The ceremony took place in front of the whole school, donors and members of the school council, pupils who contributed short welcoming speeches to the ceremony, hosted by headteacher Rachel Strougler.

The school already has outdoor play equipment called the Trim Trail, aimed at younger pupils, but the new addition sets a harder activity challenge for older pupils.

"We are a fund-raising committee and we decide what we will focus on each year. Next year, for example, it will be computer equipment," said Milly Cary, chair of FOBS.

"We raise money with events such as a very popular bingo, a summer fete, school disco's and cake stalls," she added.

Donors to the project were Burnham Market village charity, the Moorhouse Trust, Hunstanton Round Table, Superheroes who organise an annual Quadrathon at nearby Burnham Overy Staithe comprising swimming, kayaking, cycling and road running and FOBS themselves.

The new equipment should help mental as well as physical health.

"There is a lot of research to show that getting children active and liking activity and being out of doors hugely supports their mental health. It's something, I know, that Sue Gathercole, PE lead at the school, feels strongly about," said Mrs Cary.