YOUNGSTERS at Mountford Manor Primary school were swinging from the rafters when teachers at their school unveiled new play equipment this week.

Around 250 pupils at the Walcot school were delighted with the welcome surprise, which came about as the result of a £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund and £2,000 raised by their own fundraising committee.

Parent support officer Suzanne Gregory said there was a buzz about the school when the youngsters finally got to have a go on the monkey bars, rolling beam and other equipment.

“It’s a brilliant piece of equipment and the children were absolutely thrilled,” she said.

“We bid for a grant from the Big Lottery Fund and raised £2,000 through our own fundraising committee because the school has never had any static play equipment.

“Where we used to be a separate junior and infants school we have two fields and a lot of outdoor space.

“It’s great for healthy living and encouraging them to play outside. Before they had balls and hoops and skipping ropes they could only really get out when it was sunny.

“We decided to keep it a secret about the grant until we had the play equipment in place so they could actually see it. They were so excited.”