Soccer star calls in at school to open new playground

Children at St John's Infant School in Penistone, near Barnsley, were involved in the design, planning and creation of the "outdoor learning centre" which will be used for lessons.

The makeover is part of the Supergrounds scheme, which is funded by the Royal Bank of Scotland group. Parent Jill Kikupi works for RBS firm Natwest and helped apply for the cash.

She said: "As a parent I know what a difference a playground like this makes to the lives of the children and I am really proud that the bank has turned the school's dream into reality."

RBS gave the school 4,000 as part of the Supergrounds scheme, which is ending this year, and a group of parents raised a further 1,000 independently to fund more improvements.

According to the bank, its project has helped 58 schools in Yorkshire improve their grounds, with grants totalling 232,000. Around 80 per cent of schools have reported changes in teaching practice.

Bank workers are encouraged to get involved with the design and planning of local projects, in the hope that the work will "strengthen ties" between company staff and their communities.

They are also encouraged to put forward school projects which need help, leading to Mrs Kikupi securing the grant for her children's school.

The headteacher at St John's, Marijke Pring, said: "This project has provided a wonderful learning opportunity that has allowed all of our children to be involved in a very positive change."