Community helps Evenwood Primary School race towards fundraising finishing line

EVENWOOD primary school is winning its race to raise about £15,000 for a new outdoor climbing frame – thanks to help from the community.
A fun run was held at the school last Friday with pupils, teachers, parents and other residents joining in.
In less than a year, the school has raised £8,500 towards new outdoor play equipment and the most recent event is expected to further bolster the appeal.
The children were sponsored to complete the course around the school field and there were other fun activities  including a raffle and a visit from the fire brigade.
Headteacher Helen Sutherland said the school’s climbing frame is reaching the end of its life. She added: “We’ve had such fantastic support from the community, including a donation of £3,000 from local councillors and a donation of £1,000 from the community association which was just fabulous.
“The way school budgets are at the moment, it’s difficult to prioritise that amount of money but outdoor activities are so important for the children.”
Parents have also been taking up the “£50 challenge”, which sees them signing up to collect that amount for the school. One pregnant villager even held a sweepstake on the weight of the baby.
Teacher Rachel Gunn explained how for Friday’s event, the older children were challenged to run 12 laps of the field, the middle class six laps and the reception and nursery four laps.