CELEBRATIONS were held in Evenwood to mark the opening of the school’s new climbing frame.
Pupils, parents and staff rallied together during the past 22 months to raise £16,000 for the new outdoor equipment at Evenwood Primary School.
County councillor Heather Smith officially opened the castle-inspired climbing frame before the end of term. Cllr Smith donated some of her neighbourhood budget to help with the cost.
Fundraising co-ordinator Jill Swinbank said: “It will be two years ago in September when we originally set out to get a new climbing frame. We got a figure of £16,000 which is an arm and a leg for a small school.
“It seemed like an impossible task but it has been absolutely brilliant.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone.
“The effort has been amazing. We are really humbled by it.”
Parents and former staff were invited into school for refreshments and activities to mark the occasion.
The old climbing frame has also been revamped.
Mrs Swinbank added: “It was going to cost £1,500 to take the old equipment away or £1,700 to be revamped. It did not make any sense to have it scrapped.
“We have got the best of both worlds now.
“The children are really excited about it. It is not just a climbing frame. It will also be used as a backdrop for classes and plays.”
