CHILDREN are being encouraged to learn through play after the acquisition of outdoor play equipment.

Hexham First School is showing off its new equipment which was funded after a significant £10,000 grant from the National Lottery.

Hexham’s Co-op supermarket, the Hexham Courant and Gregg’s also contributed, while the ward’s county councillor Cath Homer secured the site by donating £2,000 from her members’ allowance to construct a fence.

The school’s early years teaching assistant Joanne Shepherd said: “It’s really great to get the children outdoors as much as possible, and their learning has developed so much as a result. The equipment is going down a treat with the children, whatever the weather.”

As part of an ongoing development, the school is hoping to construct a nature trail near the play area.