A GROUP of East Durham College students were bursting with pride as they handed over some handmade outdoor play equipment to primary school children as part of their course.

The group of nine students, who are studying on a level two employability skills programme at the college’s Houghall campus in Durham, needed to work on a community project as part of their studies.

A link between Shotton Hall Primary, in Peterlee, and their lecturer the project was set up.

College lecturer John Murray said: “Outdoor play equipment is very expensive, so the school approached us to see if we could help with some equipment for their early years outdoor play area.

“They gave us a catalogue and the students chose a number of items to re-design and build.

“The group had to work on all elements of the project from planning, preparation, construction to the handover. They hand built all the items at Houghall and completed the whole project in about 3 weeks.

“They all worked extremely hard on the project and should be extreme proud of what they have achieved, I know I am.”

Students Chloe Brown, 17, Courtney Kennedy, 17, Dale Hanley, 18, all from Bishop Auckland, Ellis McKinnie, 22, from Washington and Ryan Marshall, 19, from Brancepeth, all travelled over to Peterlee to hand over the wooden boat, car and bike they had built.

Dale said: “We all loved working on this project and it really helped improve our teamwork skills.”

Cheryl McCoy, Early Years Leader at Shotton Primary, added: “Imaginative play is a really important part of a child’s development and this fantastic new equipment is a great addition to the children’s outdoor play area.

“They are absolutely thrilled with the new equipment and I’m sure they will provide the children with hours of fun and really help spark their imaginations.

“On behalf of the school, I would like to thank the students and the college for all their hard work and kind generosity.”