CROWDS of pupils, parents and staff gathered at a primary in school in Yate to watch prospective MP Steve Webb cut the ribbon for the official opening of their playground after raising £3,750 towards a timber trail.


North Road Primary School pupils and staff , on North Road, have taken part in a variety of fund-raising events since September last year to fund the new equipment.


After hearing the children's desires for more play equipment, during a pupil council meeting it was decided that a trim trail would be put in place and fund-raising events were held over several months, including Christmas and Valentines discos, a film night and a sponsored welly walk.


The hard fund-raising efforts totalled to £3,750 and Mr Webb, prospective Liberal Democrat MP for Yate and Thornbury, opened the play area to pupils during a special ceremony on Friday, April 17.


Headteacher Jo Williams said: "The opening was really good with the sun shining. All 92 children, all staff and 40 parents and pre-schoolers came along to see Steve Webb cut the red ribbon.


"After reminding everyone how we raised the money the ribbon was cut all the children, some parents and Steve Webb had a go on the trim trail.


"He did very well and joined in the fun and the children were delighted to see him."


Mr Webb said: "To raise over £3,000 is a huge achievement for a school of just 92 pupils.


"I’m very grateful to all the families and staff who helped to raise the money for such a great trim trail, and it sounds as though the fundraising was great fun as well."