IMPROVEMENTS to outside space at Little Sutton Primary School have moved a step closer with help from a local housebuilder.

The school on Berwick Road benefits from a large grassed outdoor area with playground and ‘Bugs Wood’ forest school area, but the Friends of Little Sutton (FOLSS) group believe they can improve the space even more with plans for a new trim trail.

Chair of FOLSS Jenny Thomson explained: “When we asked the children what they wanted, they said a trim trail, to play on and to help them keep fit, and we worked with Creative Play to come up with a fantastic design.

"Helping children to stay healthy throughout the school day is a priority for Little Sutton, with pupil sports leaders out at playtimes encouraging the children to keep active and have fun.”

To date, FOLSS have raised around £7,000, half of the amount required to build a new trim trail.

Funds have been collected through various events at the school, including a popular summer fair, which the whole community were invited to, and Redrow’s Ledsham Community Fund has boosted the fundraising with a £2,000 donation.

School governor, parent and member of FOLSS Katie Sykes said: “With school funding under intense pressure, the funds we generate are more important than ever to improve our school for our children.

"We are extremely thankful for the donation from Redrow, and hope that there may be other businesses and companies in and around Little Sutton who would be willing to support us.

"If businesses are not able to offer monetary donations, then prizes that we can raffle off are equally as welcomed and appreciated.”

The school is less than half a mile from Redrow’s Ledsham Garden Village development, where up to 2,000 new homes are being built.

Support for the FOLSS was via Redrow’s voluntary community funds which have seen local projects share around £25,000.

This is in addition to the £13 million the company is investing in the local area to support the growth of the neighbourhood.

Elaine Mounsey, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (NW), said: “It’s great to see that children and parents at Little Sutton Primary School recognise the value of playing outside and have taken action to improve facilities for current and future pupils.

"The plans for the trim trail look fantastic and we were happy to be able to contribute to the project.”

It is hoped that by developing the outdoor space at Little Sutton Primary School, it can be further utilised as a community space with more events open to the public.

FOLSS are holding a Christmas market on Saturday, November 30 at Little Sutton Primary School, 11am-3pm, which is open to the whole community, while the school is holding an open morning for reception 2020 on Thursday, November 21, 10am-11.30am.

If you would like to find out more about the work of FOLSS and their fundraising for Little Sutton C of E Primary School, email folss@littlesutton.cheshire.sch.uk.