CHILDRERN at a primary school near Cirencester are enjoying their new early years playground equipment. 

Pupils at Stratton Primary School near have had new equipment installed funded by a donation from the Gloucester Free Hospital Trust Fund.

The outdoor space has now been transformed into a more usable, exciting play area with the addition of new equipment designed to encourage learning through play.

James Fenton, a trustee of the Free Hospital Trust Fund recently visited the school to officially open the new area and was presented with a thank-you card by the children.

(Image: Supplied) He said: “We are delighted to have funded the installation of new equipment and play area resources for the pupils of Stratton School.

"We hope the children benefit greatly from the new additions to the play area and the enjoyment they will bring.”

The new facilities replace an old rotted tepee and include a large wooden train, water wall, giant scales, new seating and playground markings in the shape of a road, complete with traffic lights and cones.

Local charity ‘Men’s Shed’ also supported the initiative, building a wooden play vehicle to ignite the children’s imaginations.

(Image: Supplied) Graham Harris from Men’s Shed said: “We hope that many children will enjoy playing on the car and look forward to building the next one when our new community shed at Kingshill School opens.”

Mrs Emma Eamer, reception teacher at Stratton Primary, expressed her gratitude.

She said: "Our Early Years outdoor area was in desperate need of renovation and our exciting transformation has all been made possible from the very generous grant from the Trustees.

"Our amazing new space will inspire and encourage learning for our current children and for children in years to come. Everyone at Stratton School is very grateful and our amazing new learning environment is somewhere we can now all be so proud of.

"Thank you!’