Parents at a Teesside primary school are pulling out all the stops to help create a new playground.

Parents of children at Crooksbarn Primary School in Norton have already raised almost £8,000 since September, to breathe new life into the ageing playground.

Chris Twiby, Headteacher at Crooksbarn Primary School, said: “We have two playgrounds at Crooksbarn – one which is used mainly by Key Stage 1 pupils (up to age 7) and the other by our older pupils.

“The Key Stage 1 playground is coming to the end of its life. Most of the play equipment is looking tired and is outdated and much of the surface is grass which restricts usage during the Winter months.

“We receive fantastic support from parents, and they are doing an amazing job to raise funds. They are aware of the financial pressures facing schools and we really appreciate their help.”

Crooksbarn is one of eight primary schools across Teesside under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.

Mr Twiby added: “The school and the Trust are continuing to explore other possible funding and together with the ongoing support from parents I am confident that we will be able to press ahead with the new playground development next year.

Project co-ordinator and teacher Sophie Gould said: “Our children deserve the best and fundraising is essential to provide the necessary funds for our project. We have recently held a sponsored run and were delighted to raise over £4,000. Our parents have been extremely supportive.”

Parents have also raised money through a variety of events including raffles, discos and film nights.

Companies such as SABIC, Next Level Security Services and Tesco have made financial contributions and parents are hoping to break the £10,000 barrier by Christmas.

Olivia Moody, a parent involved with the fundraising, said: “As a parent we really want to make this happen and we are working closely with the school to make sure that we get a top-quality outdoor facility for both our own and the future children of Crooksbarn. Please come and join us with our fundraising!”

Crooksbarn hold regular ‘Stay & Play’ sessions at the school for any parents interested in enrolling their children. The next session takes place on Saturday 6 January between 9am and 11am. For further details contact the school.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraising appeal or requiring further information, should contact the school on 01642 531750, email office@crooksbarn.adastraschools.org or via twitter/X @crooksbarnpri

Click on the links below to listen to a BBC Radio Tees story about the playground appeal