PUPILS at St. Joseph’s RC Primary School in Ramsbottom cut the ribbon on their new playground last week.

The area features a wood cabin and multi-coloured benches and fencing, which are sheltered by a canopy overhead, and is an extension of the current playground.

The £9,000 cost was covered by a National Lottery grant, as well as with support from the school’s Parents Teachers and Friends Association, and a £500 donation from Howdens Joinery.

A group of parents also raised around £1,000 by running the Salford 10k last month.

The school’s council were behind the plan and came up with the playground’s eventual design.

Following a summer of work, the playground was finally finished in September, and had its grand opening on Friday afternoon.

St. Joseph's acting headmistress, Emma Moncado, said: “The school council requested it because they wanted a quiet space outside.

“The children were really proud to see their design there in real life. We are hoping that we will be able to use the area during classes as well as at play times.

“We could never afford to do this without the help of the PTFA. I would also like to thank one of the parents, Andy Matthews, for painting the cabin.”

St Joseph’s pupil Leon Ratcliffe, aged 9, was part of the school council that came up with the idea.

He said: “I think it’s brilliant. I wanted to make the school a better place and make it fun for other people.”

Fellow student Flora Kalamba, aged 10, said: “When I walked into the cabin it was just amazing. It was even better than I expected it to be.”