PUPILS at Binsted Primary School helped to launch a ‘Grounds for Growth’ campaign last Friday, aimed at raising £80,000 to refurbish the outside spaces of their small village school.

The gathering in the playground preceded a meeting later that evening, when parents and supporters joined headteacher Sharron Morton, governors and Friends of Binsted School to hear about a vision for the creation of “an inspiring and exciting environment for play and learning”.

The plans include a sensory garden, amphitheatre, challenging play equipment for all ages and the installation of an all-weather, multi-sport area with purpose-built storage.

Estimated to cost around £80,00, Alice Cowie, chairman of the Friends of Binsted School, said: “Unfortunately, due to lack of government funding, Binsted School is responsible for raising these funds independently.”

The improved grounds will be expected to enhance the activities of the local community groups that use the school.

Mrs Cowie added: “The newly-redesigned pedestrian entrance has already improved safety and accessibility.”

This latest fundraising challenge follows hard on the heels of a successful Building for the Future campaign in 2016 which raised more than £100,000, enabling the school to create a new classroom.

The Friends of Binsted School group is confident it will be able to do the same for the Grounds for Growth campaign, by once again achieving its target.