CHILDREN at Upper Arley First School are celebrating after being told they will have a play area in time for the new September term, thanks to a grant of nearly £5,000.

The cash boost comes courtesy of lottery-funded Awards for All and brings to a close an 18-month fund-raising drive by parents to raise £8,200 for new play equipment.

The school lost its facilities in 2001 because they failed to meet safety guidelines but now it is set to receive new kit after the £4,958 hand-out.

Lin Watkins, who led the appeal as a member of the Friends of Upper Arley First School, said: "The children have had nothing in the playground for sporting activities so we are delighted they are getting their playground back so soon."

She said work on the new playground was due to begin this summer and will feature a scramble net, all-weather surface and a play cabin.

l The first play area at Wribbenhall First School will be in place by the end of the month, headteacher Paul Roper has said.

Parents were helping to put up the equipment, which has cost about £3,000, he added.

Pupils had been asked what they wanted to see at the school and overwhelmingly voted to raise funds for an adventure playground.

A team from the Prince's Trust helped with the early stages of construction and now parents are set to knuckle down to have the equipment in place by the next school term.

Mr Roper said: "We are very thankful to everyone who helped raise money for the project.

"Next year we hope to put in place more equipment, including a large climbing frame."