AN all-weather running track and fun activity frame have been installed at a school in Stourport as part of a new healthy play trail being developed for pupils.

The Wooden Spoon children’s charity of rugby contributed £15,000 towards the running track at St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School, in Areley Kings, and the Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) raised more than £9,000 for the Mariner space frame.

Headteacher Ian James said: “We are so grateful to Wooden Spoon and our PTA for enabling us to provide our children with such fantastic outdoor equipment to challenge and enhance their fitness levels and health whilst having fun.

“They were buzzing with excitement when they returned to school last week to find the track and frame installed and couldn’t wait to have their turn.”

Seven laps of the track around the playing field equates to a mile, while strength and ball drill stations can be set up alongside for pupils as well as tag rugby and football played on the field.

The development is the first phase in the creation of a Healthy Play and Wellbeing Trail at the school.

Further fundraising is planned for phase two and three, which will include more climbing activities, a tyre step, hurdles, push up beams and pull up bars.

Mr James added: “As well as increasing fitness and introducing our children to athletics and sports like rugby, this also offers active learning opportunities, for example, using maths to work out best running times for a leader board and enjoying imaginative play on the space frame.”

St Bartholomew’s is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust and chief executive Chris King said: “An amazing outdoor facility is being created at St Bart’s, with support from Wooden Spoon and their own community, which will enrich children’s play, fun, fitness and enjoyment of sport for years to come.”