CHILDREN attending Curry Rivel Primary School will soon be able to enjoy learning and playing in a new environment thanks to a £10,000 grant from the Grounds for Improvement Lottery Fund.

The money will be used to transform the school's empty playground into an area for learning and socialising. There will also be sufficient funding to construct a safe play-to-learn areas for the Early Years children.

Headteacher Lyn Hunt said that representatives of local groups as well as staff, parents and governors had been invited to a meeting at the school to begin planning the new play facilities. Pupils will be involved through their regular School Council meetings.

"The play area is used by the school on a daily basis as well as having regular use by community groups such as playgroup, youth club, beavers, cubs, rainbows, brownies and guides," she said.

"The improvements - which will be completed by next summer - will not only benefit the pupils but also the community of Curry Rivel."

Curry Rivel's county councillor, Cllr Derek Nelson, added: "We are thrilled for everyone involved with the school and the local community.

"Play is an important element of child development and the new facility will benefit local children as well as enhancing the frontage of the school."