CHILDREN at a Worcester school can now make the most of their outside space thanks to a grant from the owners of the Worcester News.

Nursery children at Fort Royal Community Primary School in Wyld’s Lane will soon be the proud owners of new play equipment after the special school received £11,881 from the Gannett Foundation.

Earlier this year we gave local charities and organisations the chance to apply for funding from Gannett, the American parent company of Newsquest and owners of the Worcester News.

The money has enabled the school to press ahead with the revamp of its play areas, the second phase of which was officially opened by former England rugby captain Phil Vickery last month.

Margaret Jones, grants administrator at Fort Royal, said children and staff were delighted to receive the funding.

She said: “That money has now completed the play areas for all of our children. It means they all have something appropriate for their needs and we hope to have the equipment installed in the February half-term.

“As far as I’m concerned, and the rest of the staff at the school, getting the play areas right was probably the most important thing for our outdoor space.

“So now, to be able to have this phase three and get the funding we need is beyond our wildest dreams.”

The money will be used to pay for the installation of new equipment from Schoolscapes, which features two towers connected by a bridge, a slide, climbing board and adapations to cater for the abilities of all children at the nursery.

There will also be blue safety flooring, fitted with a “race track” for bicycles and trikes.