YOUNGSTERS from a primary school have launched a fundraising campaign to make better use of their outdoor space.

Pupils at South Stanley Junior School, in Stanley, are taking part in the Making Our Outdoors Great initiative to enhance opportunities for outdoor learning.

The project will see children and staff working together to raise £5,000 for the first part.

Staff have consulted with pupils children about what they would like to see with each class creating a “mood board” of ideas which are being developed into formal plans.

They include creating a stage for performances, raised beds for gardening, a reading area and tunnels.

Headteacher Eileen Martin said: “We are very excited about our Making our Outdoors Great project. It is a real school effort.

“The children have created some amazing mood boards and their imagination and creativity knows no boundaries.

“We have installed a display of their ideas and the formal plans of Phase One in school.

“Anyone that would like to view them is more than welcome to visit us to see our vision.

“We know we have a long way to go but we are confident that if we all pull together and with the help of our local community and businesses, we can do this.

“We want to create something amazing for our children to enjoy for years to come.”

The children and staff will take part in a sponsored Totally Tough and Muddy event on Friday March 1where they will undertake an obstacle course designed to test their strength and endurance as well as having lots of fun.

Year three pupil Millie Storey said: “I am so proud of what we have created for Phase One.

“There is something for everyone and it’s great that it’s all our own ideas.

“Everyone is really excited about our obstacle course event in March, we can’t wait to give it a go but also to see the teachers take part too.

“We hope everyone will sponsor us and help us raise the money we need so we can have something we are really proud of.”

The Making our Outdoors Great initiative will run until July with several fundraising activities planned.

Anyone wishing to donate to the project should contact the school directly on 01207-232-059.