DELIGHTED children discovered a surprise when they returned for a new year at a Fenland primary school - special play equipment had been delivered over the summer holidays.

Coates Primary School’s playground was given a revamp during the break, with outdoor fitness equipment installed alongside a climbing wall and rope ladder.

Joanne Tomlins, head teacher, said: “The children were amazed when they arrived for their first day back as they had no idea that we’d ordered the new equipment.

“For a long time we’d only had one climbing frame after the old wooden pieces had to be decommissioned as they were getting dangerous.

“The new equipment includes a small climbing wall and rope ladder for the key stage one children and outdoor fitness equipment for the older children.”

The school’s newly-formed Fun for Funds Group donated �1,000 to enable the equipment to be bought.

Bev Sands, chair of the fundraising group, said: “We were so pleased to be able to put to use the money we’ve raised over the past few months.

“The children have been really pleased with the equipment, but now the hard works starts all over again as we raise money for our next project.”