PUPILS who have pitched in to improve their school grounds have helped to win a £10,000 award.

Kirkby and Great Broughton CE Primary School, near Stokesley, has won the award, thanks to their Woolworth's Playground Partnership.

Children and staff helped design the playground, and the school council met weekly with headteacher Jean Yendall and parent-governor Nicola Harrison, the project co-ordinator.

Mrs Yendall said: "I am delighted that the school has won the playground design award. It is a great achievement for us, as it is the highest award and one of only three in the northern region.

"We now have 12 months to implement the designs."

The design includes a meadow, a herb garden, a low-level and climbing activity area, an amphitheatre, and a woodland area with shelter and sculptures.

The county's executive member for education, Councillor Chris Metcalfe, said: "Playgrounds are a vital part of any school community because children spend more than eight hours a week in them."