A MUM is looking to raise thousands of pounds so she can completely transform a school's empty playground, as she looks to inject joy into the lives of local children. 

Niki Boulter, 38, from Greenstead, wants to revitalise an outdoor space at Unity Primary Academy in Hickory Avenue with a pirate ship and play apparatus.

Having a child at the school, she has noticed on several occasions the school's lack of creative play equipment for the youngsters to play with.

Gazette: Empty - the playing field at Unity PrimaryEmpty - the playing field at Unity Primary (Image: Niki Boulter)

Determined to do something about it, she went to school bosses and asked to be a part of the Parent-Teacher Association so she could formally to raise the issue.

Niki is now aiming to raise £7,000 to fund the project and improve the lives of youngsters in what is considered the most deprived area of Colchester.

Niki said: “The area in Greenstead is quite run down and I want to help to make it a better school and environment.

Gazette: Generous - Niki Boulter hopes to raise enough money for new play equipmentGenerous - Niki Boulter hopes to raise enough money for new play equipment (Image: Niki Boulter)

“There are 430 children in the school and only one small wooden play area so they have to stagger their playtimes.

“It’s really sad and it’s harder for the teachers trying to stagger it.”

In order to raise the money, she will be holding raffles and other events and activities.

“I want that stuff in place to help my child as well, so they have the amenities too," added Niki. 

“Even after the pirate ship is done I want to continue raising so they have more to play with and enjoy.

Gazette: Concrete - the existing playground at the schoolConcrete - the existing playground at the school (Image: Niki Boulter)

Gazette: Prize - first raffle prizePrize - first raffle prize (Image: Niki Boulter)

“I’m going to do everything I can.

“The goal is getting it out there, every term at the school I’m going to be doing raffles and getting sponsorships from people.

“When we raise that £7,000 for the pirate ship, we can get plaques up for the donors.

“As a parent, we need to do better for the school, even when my children leave the school it will be there for future children.

Gazette: Entrance - front of Unity Primary AcademyEntrance - front of Unity Primary Academy (Image: Niki Boulter)

“When they move schools, they might not have the capacity to learn as well at a bigger school they don’t have the amenities here.

“We really appreciate people trying to help and we are so grateful for any donation, big or small.”

The winner of Niki's first raffle will be chosen on March 28 by the school headteacher. 

For more information, or to donate, go to the Unity Academy Facebook page or contact the school directly.