A Renfrewshire primary school has received almost £10,000 to improve their playground.

Rashielea Primary have been awarded the £9,700 grant by the Big Lottery Fund to go towards the second phase of their playground improvement plan.

The plan is being worked on by the school's eco-committee in partnership with Carts Greenspace.

The grant, along with £4,500 from the Parents' Association, will pay for a textured ground surface, raised beds, shrubs and bushes, fruit trees, bird tables and bird boxes in the upper school playground; and giant coloured pencils and a buddy bench in the infant playground.

There will also be picnic benches, seating on grassy areas edgding the playground and a bench dedicated in memory to Miss Foley who taught Primary One at the school for many years. The Pupil Council raised £500 towards this.

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The first phase of the improvements saw the previous eco-committee raise funds and have murals painted in all the school toilets, courtyard and infant playground.

Clare Carson, head teacher of Rashielea Primary, said: "The whole school is absolutely delighted to receive this fantastic grant from Big Lottery. This is a real boost to our eco-Committee who have put in a great deal of work to the playground improvement plan and are working closely with Carts Greenspace to see these plans come to life.

"Our eco-committee has seven sub groups made up of around 70 children, three classroom assistants and three parents. These cover all aspects of the life of the school, from improving schools grounds to sustainability, travel to school and waste management. We are also about to apply for our third Green Flag Award."

Under the third phase of the playground improvement plan, the eco-committee also plan further fundraising activities such as a bag pack at Morrisons to get murals in middle and upper school playgrounds and more playground furniture.

Together with neighbouring Inchinnan Primary, last year the eco-committee helped develop the gardens of the two neighbouring Littleinch care homes and continue to maintain these gardens.

(GK)