HARD-WORKING pupils have embarked on a giant fundraising challenge in a bid to purchase new play equipment.

Children from Myland Primary School in Mill Road, Colchester, are on a mission to raise £18,000 after their existing structure was deemed unsafe.

To get a replacement, the motivated pupils have held non uniform days, Christmas trails, raffles, competitions and sales.

Throughout February, little ones took part in a 2022 challenge, which saw them come up with quirky ideas to raise £20.22.

The fundraising campaign was the idea of the PTA. Jennifer Griggs, who is the PTA co-chairwoman, said: “The school has no play equipment for the children in Years 3 to 6 due to it being unsafe, aged and worn out.

“Schools are underfunded and don’t have the money to do it themselves.”

Speaking about the latest 2022 fundraising challenge, Jennifer added: “It was up to the children how they wanted to do it.

“Some have done challenges based on the numbers - so doing something for 20 minutes or 22 times.

“One family did a triple marshmallow challenge. They built a tower in 22 minutes using only spaghetti and marshmallows, balanced a marshmallow on their forehead for two minutes and 22 seconds and fit the same amount of marshmallows as their ages in their mouths.”

The PTA is also offering a prize for the most original ideas.

To beat their £18,000 target, the children have already taken part in climbing walls, chess tournaments, bake sales, bike track races, beat the goalie, and paintings for the elderly.

Jennifer added: “ The children have done amazingly well and we’re so excited to be able to give them and their families some recognition for the effort they’ve put in.

“Huge thanks to everyone who has supported us so far. “

If you would like to support the children in their efforts or are interested in sponsoring or making a donation to the campaign email mylandpta@ymail.com or visit bit.ly/3tJTotJ.