A new play area has been installed at an Axminster primary school following a fundraising drive.

Hawkchurch C of E Primary School has benefited from the large-scale efforts by its Parent Teacher & Friends Association (PTFA) and significant donations from local charities, including Axminster Care Service.

This local charity, which supports many deserving projects, donated a substantial sum to be used for the new playground apparatus.

Members of the charity, including Mr Vann, Mr & Mrs Symes, and Ms Collier, visited the school on February 28.

During the visit, they met students and officially opened the new play area.

The secretary of the PTFA spoke highly of the communal efforts from the students and the PTFA in raising funds through a series of events, including a "marathon in the month of May".

They said: "Fundraising for small rural primary schools is no easy task.

"Due to the rising costs of play equipment, without assistance from charities such as Axminster Care Service, the prospect of acquiring the amounts needed for such installations would be a lot more daunting.

"It enabled the equipment to be installed much sooner than anticipated, and is a fantastic addition to the school which offers a lovely outdoor space for the children to explore and play."

Headteacher Mr Threlfall, the PTFA and students expressed tremendous gratitude for the financial aid received.