Parent power brings new play equipment

Youngsters at a Shropshire school have been let loose on new play equipment paid for by the fundraising efforts of their parents.

Following a series of well-attended Ellesmere College Parents' Society events over the last year, school officials said enough money was pledged to purchase the activity equipment to add to the Lower School playground.

Now as the summer term has started, the school's younger pupils have been enjoying the new additions to their play area.

Fundraising by the parents' society has been child's play in recent years, with a string of get-togethers and charity events helping raise bumper funds for a range of new facilities.

Last year's new addition, the Lower School wildlife garden, is now accompanied by the all-action play equipment where younger pupils have been climbing and testing their balancing skills during break times.

Sharon Owen, head of Lower School, said: "When I arrived as the new head of Lower School last September, I was keen to create such an activity play area for our young pupils.

"With the wildlife garden now well established amongst our pupils as a peaceful place for quiet play, the climbing frame and other equipment gives our pupils a new area to enjoy and that also encourages activity.

The college is to throw open its doors to prospective pupils and their parents during an open day on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.