CHILDREN have been digging, measuring and having fun in a new gravel pit in their school playground.

The play pit, which has been put in for children in the reception class, has been installed at Howletch Lane Primary, in Peterlee.

The funding came from County Durham Housing Group, which gave £500 for the project through its group grant programme.

Headteacher Helen Adair said: “Budgets are tight for a lot of schools at the moment and we often have to cut back on all but essential spending on resources.

“The gravel pit is a very welcome addition to the outdoor play area for some of our youngest children.”

“Not only is it great fun for the pupils but it also allows staff to enhance the teaching of basic skills such as counting, measuring and development of gross and fine motor skills.”

She added: “We are over the moon with our new gravel pit for the reception class children and are extremely grateful to County Durham Housing Group for providing the funding.”

Damian Pearson, funding officer for the housing group, said: “I’ve seen first-hand just how much the pupils at Howletch Lane have taken to their new gravel pit.

“They’re having a great time digging and measuring.

“This is a great project and it’s clearly made an immediate difference to the children. It’s exactly the kind of scheme that group grant was created to help.”

Full details of the group grant scheme are available at www.countydurhamhousinggroup.co.uk/groupgrant.

Alternatively, call 0191 349 7777 or email groupgrant@cdhg.co.uk for further details.