A CITY’S freemen have been thanked for providing a shot-in-the-arm to help in the creation of a “fantastic” sporting asset for a local primary school.

The Parent Teachers’ Association at Neville’s Cross Primary School, in Durham, appealed for help to raise £60,000 to cover the costs of developing an all-weather multi-use games area within its school playing field.

It was previously so often “wet and boggy” that it was out of use for much of the year.

Staff, parents and youngsters spearheaded a wide range of fund-raising events to put it right.

It included an ambitious relay swim by parents across the English Channel.

But, donations were also sought from a range of local organisations and sponsors, including a £500 grant from the City of Durham Freemen.

Work began on the project, in June, and it is now in use every day in term-time by the primary’s 280 pupils, as well as by the wider community, outside of school hours.

Acting head teacher Charlotte Ferguson said: “It has proved to be a fantastic addition to our school.

“When we launched the appeal, £60,000 seemed such a vast amount.

“While a tremendous amount of effort came from within the school, we could not have done it as quickly without the support of organisations like the city freemen,” she added.

Eric Bulmer, the chairman of the wardens of the freemen, said: “We were pleased to offer our support to what has been a tremendous effort by the school.

“It’s created a wonderful facility that will also be used by the local community.”