A NEW £23,000 adventure trail is now open for use for school children following a fundraising drive.

A group of parents at Sherborne St John Church of England Primary School have spent the last few years raising money through events and grants to buy the new piece of equipment for children to enjoy.

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A special opening ceremony was held last month to officially declare the trail and a new running track open, with guests invited along to celebrate.

Karen Payne, headteacher at the primary school in Church Lane, said the School Association decided to fundraise to replace the old adventure trail which was installed 14 years ago.

She added: “Our School Association, which is a group of parents, did the fundraising and managed to raise over £23,000 to have it replaced. It was due to be replaced during lockdown, and then there was a shortage of materials, so it has been a bit delayed.

“The children love it and can use it at playtime. It helps them health wise but it also gives them something exciting to do.”

The School Association raised the funds through events such as summer fayres as well as sourcing grants from local organisations and the parish council.

At the opening event some of those who had contributed financially to the trail were invited along.

Mrs Payne said: “We had a big ribbon around it which we untied and all the children came out to watch.”

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