AFTER two years of fundraising, the dream of a new fitness trail for pupils in Sherston is finally a reality.

The Friends of Sherston School have been working hard to raise £10,000 to update the outdoor play equipment in the school grounds.

The current fitness trail only allows for very limited play and a restricted number of children who can use it at one time due to health and safety regulations.

With the fresh investment however more children will be able to use the equipment and keep fit.

The fitness trail received a grant was from the Malmesbury Carnival, however the rest has been raised through school and village activities.

Having raised the money before the end of term it means that children will be able to enjoy the new equipment before they leave for the summer.

Fi Picton, chairwoman of the Friends of Sherston School, said the group were pleased to have reached the target before the end of the school year.

“The community of parents understood our sense of urgency,” she said.

“At one point we thought it wouldn’t be until September when we raised the money but we wanted the children to be able to enjoy the trail before the end of term.

“In particular year six pupils, as their parents had been supporting the campaign for two years, so we wanted them to have a go before they left the school.

“We were lucky that we tapped into lot of community support.”

The money raised will afford the school two extra pieces of play equipment to complete the fitness trail in the school grounds.

Having an opportunity to play outside it is important for their health, a cause parents are keen to support.

“The parents got behind the project and feel as feel strongly as we do about outdoor play,” continued Fi.

“It is important to have things children can do outside – it makes them calmer and more relaxed.

“There will be monkey handles and a climbing net among other things.

“The equipment is designed so it’s fun and challenging to climb over.

“It will give children more opportunities to stretch themselves a bit.

“Children learn a lot through play and they learn social skills that way, such as how to share.”

Mrs Samantha Willoughby, acting head at Sherston Primary, said the school were thrilled the Friends of Sherston School had finally reached their fundraising total.

“We are delighted that work is about to start on an extension to our school fitness trail,” she said.

“The Friends of Sherston School have been working extremely hard to raise the £10,000 needed.

“The children chose the pieces of equipment that will be enhancing the existing play area and they are very excited.”

Work started on the fitness trail this week and it is hoped it will be finished in time for the end of term.