A PREMIERSHIP rugby club mascot travelled to a north Hampshire school to officially open a new playground.

Irish Wolfhound Digger, the mascot of London Irish Rugby Club who play in the Guinness Premiership at Reading’s Madjeski Stadium, was the star guest at the opening of Bramley Primary School’s brand new playground, before children launched themselves up its cargo nets and climbing frames.

The new outdoor play area came about after pupils asked for more facilities to use during play times through their school council.

Members of the school council also met with the architect to give their ideas on what they wanted.

Ann Berresford, head teacher of the school, in Bramley Lane, Bramley, said: “The children have been very involved in the project and it’s been in non-stop use ever since it was finished.

“We use it in PE, for rewards, and during break times. The children can be creative and the raised stage area is proving very popular, so they can use it for performing arts as well as jumping around, climbing and balancing. The children were also involved in the risk assessment process.”

The school saved £20,000 over three years to pay for the facility. Ms Berresford said: “The School Association got on board to help us by giving us another £20,000, and our Bramley Out of Hours Club also applied for a Government grant, and we came away with £15,000.”

She added: “It’s great because parents are using our picnic area and not rushing off, so it’s encouraging increasing social contact between families and the school.”