A NEGLECTED corner of the playground at a North Nibley school has had a make-over thanks to the combined efforts of governors and its PTA.

More than £20,000 was invested in improving play facilities at North Nibley Primary School with hide-away huts, ramps, apparatus and a popular tunnel installed.

Much of the required funds was provided by the school’s PTA group, Friends of North Nibley School (FONNS), and work was completed earlier this month.

Chairman of the school’s governors’ premises committee, Chris Huxley-Reynard, said that the new equipment was proving a big hit with pupils.

“The newly refurbished playground area looks fantastic,” he said. “The children are really enjoying using it after the safety fence was removed earlier this term.

“This area used to be rather dingy with old benches and tables and rather dilapidated play equipment, so the new wooden huts, tunnel and play equipment make a huge difference.”

FONNS raises money throughout the year through various fundraising events, including July’s Nibley Festival.

Along with parents, residents of the village who make-up the group volunteer to support its work which has helped fund a raft of improvements at the village’s only school.

Paul Batchelor, headteacher at the school, said: “We returned to Different-by-design, a landscaping company we had used before, since their ideas and the quality of their work seemed head and shoulders above the competition.

“The children love it. It feeds their imagination at the same time as providing slopes and climbing equipment to boost balance and upper-body strength as they play.

“The children would like to thank all those who helped raise the money.”

More information about FONNS’ activities is available at facebook.com/groups/351692605004997.