Playtimes come alive with willow

Volunteers have helped build some "green" play equipment for youngsters.

A team of parents and pupils, aided by helpers from the village and local church, worked together to build the new ecologically-friendly play structures at St Luke's School, Thurnby.

The structures consist of five igloos, two wigwams and one 30-ft tunnel which have been sculpted from living willow.

They will provide play opportunities for the children, while also providing structures that look good and are in keeping with the school's surroundings and local environment.

Pupil Jessica Beechey, aged seven, said: "There are more things to play with now.

"It will grow to be really beautiful."

The volunteers worked for two days to plant and create the play areas at St Luke's.

Pupil James Barrett, eight, said: "I think they are really cool."

The funding for the structures was raised by the friends of St Luke's school committee.

It is one of a number of initiatives being taken at the school to provide attractive, educational play experiences for the children in the school grounds.