THE Swindon Wildcats played against pupils in the first match on a new games area set up at a Stratton school.

Youngsters at Grange Junior School enjoyed their new Smooga, which creates a portable multi-purpose area which can be used for playing all sorts of sports.

The school's PTA, Friends of Grange School, fundraised £5,000 to pay for the new equipment.

Ellen Manktelow, head of FOGS, said: "This will make a massive difference to the children at playtimes and PE lessons, everyone will get to play without being interrupted."

Pupils from the school council, which has representatives from each class, played a frenetic game against Renny Marr and Taylor Plews to christen the new piece of playground equipment.

They also got free tickets for this Saturday's game.

Dave Ridley, head of community and development for the Wildcats, said: "It's great for the kids to get the chance to play a match with two professional athletes.

"It's really important for kids to have the opportunity to play all sports and this will definitely help, it's going to increase their enthusiasm

"All of the Wildcats players are always up for going into the community and working with schools - we do this at least twice a week.

"We have a huge junior ice hockey program and in a few years, some of those players will be wearing a Wildcats jersey. Who knows, one of these kids could become a Wildcat."