Pupils at Rodmarton Primary School received an unexpected late Christmas present when they returned to school this week.

A brand new climbing frame, with two towers, monkey bars, a climbing wall and net, as well as wheelchair access, has been built in the playground over the Christmas holidays, replacing the old play equipment which had been there for more than 25 years.

Headteacher Caroline Musty said: "The children were so excited to come back to school and see the new equipment.

"The old climbing frame was great but it was starting to need a lot of repairs so the time had come to replace it. The new equipment is fantastic and the children love it."

Pupils at the school were involved in the whole process of commissioning the new play equipment.

They were asked what they would like and pupils from year six helped Mrs Musty put the brief together and decide which company would be offered the contract.

The equipment, which was designed, made and installed by Stroud-based Discovery Timber Play LTD, was jointly funded by an activity grant from Gloucestershire County Council, a donation from Rodmarton Parish Council, and money raised by the Friends of Rodmarton School.