CHILDREN in Cockfield now have an extra reason to look forward to playtime.
A new playhouse was officially opened at Cockfield Primary School last week by county councillor Heather Smith.
Cllr Smith funded the building, which was designed by year one and two pupils.
Headteacher Kathryn Heatherington said: “Children in key stage one asked for it because we have a playhouse for nursery. They wanted something similar.
“The children drew up some designs and then we got in touch with Heather.”
Cllr Smith agreed to donate £1,500 from her Teesdale Action Partnership neighbourhood budget. The playhouse was then built during the summer holidays.
Cllr Smith said: “Anything that is for the benefit of children or young people strikes a little chord in my heart. I have tried to make sure that my neighbourhood budget gets used all round my patch, which is enormous.”
The playhouse is open to the children every break time. Toys inside were purchased by the school and include dolls, a toy kitchen and a sofa.
Ms Heatherington added: “The children love it. I can’t get them out of it.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to Heather. The playhouse was something we wanted but would not have been able to afford ourselves.”
