PUPILS at a village primary school will now have more exciting break times after new play equipment was added to its playground. 

Fordham All Saints Primary School now has the new addition part-funded by housebuilder Bellway.

The children will be spending their leisure time on board a Viking longboat, which will become the focal point of the school’s playground.

Bellway donated £500 towards the purchase of the five-metre wooden vessel.

Jenny Langley, chairman at Friends of Fordham, said: “With schools constantly being squeezed on resources and being faced with cost pressures, our role as Friends of Fordham is to organise events and fundraising activities throughout the year for our families and their children.

“Money raised is solely used to support and enrich the learning experience of the children at the school.

Gazette: New - Viking longshipNew - Viking longship (Image: Belllway)

“We are so grateful to Bellway which has supported our fundraising project by generously donating £500 towards the Viking boat. 

“It has proved to be very popular with the children, whilst encouraging social and imaginative play.

 “It is wonderful to see Bellway engage closely with the local community and really make a difference.“

Jenny Walker, sales director for Bellway Essex, said: “At Bellway, we pride ourselves on forming relationships within the local communities where we build. 

“We’re pleased to have contributed to the school’s fundraising effort to purchase this exciting piece of play equipment. I am sure the pupils will get a great deal of enjoyment from being on board the longship and imagining life at sea.”

The new play equipment, which cost £3,600, was installed last month.

Bellway is building new homes at its Aspen Walk development in Colchester, just under two miles from the school.

For more information about Aspen Walk, visit bellway.co.uk/new-homes/essex/aspen-walk.