RUGBY players have thrown their weight behind a drive to transform the grounds of a special school.

Teenagers from Consett RUFC joined staff and parents at Villa Real School, in Consett, to help overhaul the playgrounds.

The school caters for pupils aged two to 19 who have severe, complex and multiple learning difficulties.

It has already built facilities for the infants, but ran out of money before it could revamp the play areas for its junior and secondary classes.

However, local companies donated old wagon tyres, which staff have decided to use to create a sand pit, seating area and a climbing frame.

Teacher Maureen Brown, who is co-ordinating the effort, said: "At present we only have either a tarmac area or a grass area, which is a bit bland and there is not enough for the kids to do.

"We called on the rugby lads to help with the more gutsy tasks, like moving the tyres, and they kindly agreed.

"It is so important for us to give the kids something decent they can really get their teeth into, otherwise they are bored silly at playtimes."

Artist Mike Richardson, whose wife, Rachel, teaches at the school, also came in to mark out patterns for hop scotch and a giant snakes and ladders.